Eight Wild Elephants Damage Crops in Rotebandh, Forest Department on Alert
Key Points:
- Eight elephants enter Rotebandh village, causing panic among farmers
- Forest department issues warning, begins drive to push herd back
- Villagers demand compensation and permanent safety measures
JAMSHEDPUR – Panic spread in Rotebandh village under Baharagora block of East Singhbhum on Sunday when a herd of eight wild elephants entered the fields, forcing farmers to flee for safety.
The elephants were first spotted around 1 p.m. wandering near the forest edge and farmlands. Startled farmers abandoned their tools and ran to nearby houses. The Bhutia Forest Office was immediately informed.
Soon after, a forest team reached the site and began efforts to drive the elephants toward the forest. However, chaos prevailed as the herd trampled through fields and narrow village paths.
Villagers reported extensive crop damage. Paddy, pigeon pea, finger millet, and vegetable fields were destroyed. In several areas, field boundaries and fences were flattened. Residents have demanded immediate compensation from the government and the forest department.
Meanwhile, local representatives, including the village head, urged for long-term solutions. They stressed the need for solar fencing, sound alert systems, and rapid response teams. “Every year elephants destroy our fields, but the administration takes no permanent step,” said one villager.
In response, forest officials said they are closely tracking the movement of the herd. Teams are stationed to prevent elephants from entering nearby settlements. The department has also issued an advisory warning villagers to stay away from the animals, avoid scaring them, and not venture into forests at night.
Forest Ranger officers said drums, torches, and traditional methods are being used to guide the elephants back. Distant villages have also been placed on alert.
According to former forest officer Ramesh Prasad Singh, dwindling food and water sources in forests are pushing elephants toward human habitats. He remarked that the incident underlines a deepening ecological imbalance that now demands urgent action.
