Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, May 28: In a fresh instance of escalating human-wildlife conflict in the Western Ghats region, a herd of wild elephants created havoc in Charmadi village under Belthangady taluk late Monday night, destroying a large portion of an areca nut plantation and leaving local farmers devastated.

The incident occurred in Mathada Majalu locality where farmer Anantha Rao’s areca nut garden was targeted by a wild elephant and its calf. The duo caused significant damage to over 120 areca nut trees, leading to a massive agricultural loss.

According to locals, the elephants entered the plantation from a side not protected by solar fencing. “It was around 6 am when we spotted the elephants in the plantation. Upon seeing them, we disconnected the solar fence and managed to drive them away,” said Prakash Narayan Rao, son of the affected farmer.

Shockingly, the family counted as many as five fully-grown elephants and one calf in the herd. In their retreat, the elephants also damaged five supporting pillars of the solar fence, further escalating the destruction.

Forest Department DRFO Ranjith along with his team rushed to the spot and conducted an on-ground inspection. Speaking to officials acknowledged the recurring nature of wild elephant incursions in the area. “While such raids by one or two elephants are common, this time a herd of six elephants entering a single plantation is highly unusual,” noted a forest officer.

Local farmers have expressed deep concern over the frequent elephant intrusions which are posing a serious threat to their livelihoods. They have urged the Forest Department to take swift action by strengthening protective measures and ensuring better surveillance along the forest border.