Saranda Villagers Face Twin Threat of Elephants, Fear

Rising Elephant Attacks Disrupt Life in Naxal-Affected Region

Key Points:

• Elephants damage school, destroy food supplies
• Midday meal halted, children left without food
• Kolhan villages face rising human-elephant conflict

CHAIBASA – Villagers in Saranda are struggling with elephant attacks and ongoing insurgency fears affecting daily life.

Residents in the Saranda forest region of Chaibasa are facing two major threats. One comes from long-standing naxal activity in the area.

Meanwhile, wild elephants have recently increased their movement near villages. This has added new fear among already distressed communities.

On April 28 and 29 nights, two elephants entered a school campus. The incident occurred at an upgraded primary school in Hendediri.

Moreover, the animals broke the kitchen door and damaged property. They consumed rice, vegetables, and ration meant for midday meals.

However, several food items were also scattered and wasted. The school infrastructure suffered visible damage after the incident.

As a result, the midday meal service was disrupted completely. Children attending school did not receive food on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, students appeared frightened while attending classes. Parents expressed concern about safety and food availability.

On the other hand, villagers reported that elephants are still nearby. They are believed to be staying in forests close to the settlement.

Moreover, residents fear another possible attack in coming days. They have demanded immediate intervention from forest officials.

Authorities have been urged to drive elephants safely back. Villagers also want compensation for damages and fresh ration supply.

In contrast, the issue is not limited to one district. All three Kolhan districts are facing similar elephant disturbances.

These include East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan regions. Several villages have reported crop and property damage.

Earlier on April 23, a tragic incident occurred in Chandil range. A woman and her 13-year-old daughter were killed by elephants.

Meanwhile, over 200 villages across Kolhan remain affected. Nighttime fear has disrupted sleep patterns among residents.

Experts say shrinking forest areas push elephants closer to human zones. Increasing human activity also contributes to rising conflict.