Daijiworld Media Network – Pernem

Pernem, Dec 1: Panic gripped farmers in Patradevi on Sunday after confirmation that the notorious elephant “Omkar” had once again crossed into Goa. Forest Department officials have intensified surveillance and are closely monitoring its movements to prevent damage to crops and property. Teams have been deployed to steer the elephant back across the state border.

Tension among locals remains high as the memory of Omkar’s earlier rampage is still fresh. Just 63 days ago, the same elephant caused widespread destruction in Mopa, Torsem and Tambosem, flattening large stretches of farmland. Omkar had also damaged crops extensively in Banda, Insuli and Amboli in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.

Even after continuous attempts by Maharashtra forest officials to drive it away, the situation remained uncontrolled for over two months.

With Omkar now spotted in Patradevi under Pernem taluka on Sunday, farmers fear a repeat of the havoc seen earlier. Meanwhile, Goa’s Forest Department has assured that all precautionary measures are in place to manage the situation and protect agricultural lands.