Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady/Sullia

Beltangady/Sullia, Sep 7: A wild elephant was sighted on the road near the first curve of Charmadi Ghat on Friday around 4 pm.

The elephant remained in the same spot for over half an hour, forcing motorists on both sides of the ghat to stop their vehicles out of fear, resulting in a long queue of stranded traffic. Forest department personnel later visited the spot and carried out an inspection.

Wild elephants are sighted frequently along the ghat road. Complaints have also been received that some tourists, in their attempt to capture photos and videos, venture dangerously close to the animal. On a previous occasion, the forest minister had even instructed officials to file cases against such travellers.

Herd of elephants causes damage in Aletty

On the same day, a herd of wild elephants appeared once again near Paladka–Mani stretch of National Highway 275 in Aletty village, Sullia taluk, disrupting vehicular movement on Friday night.

The elephants strayed into local plantations, destroying arecanut, coconut, banana and other crops, causing heavy losses to farmers. Villagers later managed to drive the elephants back into the forest. The herd is reported to shelter in Poomale forest during the day and emerge at night to raid plantations along the highway.

Along with crop destruction, the presence of elephants has posed a constant threat to the lives of locals and travellers. Forest officials have visited the affected areas, documented the crop loss through photographs, and assured compensation. However, villagers have complained that no concrete measures are being taken to drive the elephants away.