A herd of 18 elephants has caused widespread concern in the Bhatuania village under Padmapur Panchayat, Keonjhar district.
The marauding elephants, which moved in from Ambadhara, have set up camp near a canal in the area. Villagers and farmers report extensive damage to crops and property due to the movements and feeding of the elephants.
Yesterday evening, the herd crossed through nearby villages, including Tikarpada, Kudiaghara, and Kadagad, before arriving in Bhatuania.
Farmers from Tikarpada, Kudiaghara, Mahadeijoda, Narasinghpur, Kenduposhi, and other villages joined forest officials to drive the elephants back towards the wild.
While villagers observe the herd during the daytime, forest officials are monitoring their activities and are planning to guide them safely back into the jungles by evening.
Farmers have urged authorities to provide immediate compensation for the damages incurred.
