A herd of wild elephant come out from Sissi Reserve Forest under Dhemaji Territorial Forest Division destroyed four dwelling houses at Kerkoni village under Silapathar police station during last three days.
The six-number herd of wild tusker entered the village during wee house on Wednesday and broke one Jadu Hazarika’s house and also eaten down harvested crops from his grain store.
The herd again entered the village early this morning and rampaged three houses owned by Nitumoni Chutiya, Swadip Siang and Biju Singh. The pachyderms also attacked the family members but luckily escaped from the impending danger.
The elephant also eaten down pre-harvest crops in paddy fields in the flood affected area, adding woes to the villagers. Te local residents have demanded the forest department to asses the lost and initiate proper compensation to the rural farmers.
Forest personnel led by Sissi Range Officer Phonidhar Borgohain on being informed have visited the spot, met the victims and taken stock of the situation. The forester also gave crackers (explosive) to the villagers in order to drive the wild elephant away on emergency.
Borgahain said that they have collected evidences regarding demolition of residential houses by wild elephants and disseminated the report to concerning authority for compensation.
“The man-elephant conflict is on an increasing trend in the area due to gradual destruction of elephant habitat and food crisis in the natural forests. We have formed “Anti-depredation Committee’ in the area to look after the cases related to man-animal conflicts”, said the Range Officer.
According to forest officials, the elephants come from Dibru Saikhowa Nationa Park across mighty Brahmaputra sneak into the area in search of food during the monsoon season. There is an elephant corridor linking the reserve forests in Jonai (Assam) and wildlife sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh with the national park.
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