Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia

Sullia, Jul 29: A herd of wild elephants entered the premises of the Government Higher Primary School at Dabbadka in Chembu village and destroyed crops within the campus on July 27, causing concern among residents.

The elephants damaged banana and coconut plants along with other crops grown inside the school premises. The herd also strayed into agricultural fields in Koppa, Kudakallu, Balekaje, Panedka, Hosur, Kirlaya, Kedambady and Kanthabail, destroying standing crops and causing financial losses to farmers.

Residents said the continued presence of wild elephants has created fear among the public, making even morning travel unsafe. They have urged the Forest Department to take immediate measures to prevent further elephant incursions, ensure the safety of villagers and provide adequate compensation to affected farmers.

In a separate incident, a wild elephant damaged banana plantations in Kadir Bylu near Sauthadka in Kokkada, Belthangady, on Monday night. Early on Tuesday morning, around 5 am, the elephant moved towards the Bylangady and Mastikallu Majalu areas and entered the plantation belonging to Chandrashekhar at Bylangady, damaging several banana plants.

Farmers have informed the Forest Department and demanded immediate action to prevent repeated crop damage caused by wild elephants.