Jharkhand's Elephant Crisis: Five Lives Lost and 200 Acres of Crops Devastated in December
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Ranchi, Dec 24 (NationPress) In a devastating event, aggressive elephants have wreaked havoc across Jharkhand this December, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to many others. The elephants have also caused significant damage to over 30 homes and obliterated standing crops spanning more than 200 acres, according to compensation claims filed by affected villagers with various forest divisions.
On Monday night, Gulab Yadav from Pindarkon village in the Latehar district's Balumath police station area became the most recent victim of the furious elephants. His remains were found on Tuesday morning in a nearby forest, causing deep sorrow among the community.
Just two days prior, on December 22, a group of four elephants invaded Atki Panchayat in Giridih’s Dumri block, resulting in the death of Sikra Manjhi, who was struck by their trunks.
On December 13, Janaki Rana from Marangloiya village in Latehar district also met a tragic end, prompting villagers to blockade roads in protest of the government's neglect.
On December 21, in Chapkali village of Garhwa district, Gopal Yadav was tragically crushed to death after he ventured out of his home at night upon hearing the elephants trumpeting. Despite his family’s efforts to escape, the herd pursued him fatally.
Previously, on December 11, Lodro Barjo from Anandpur block in West Singhbhum was trampled by a herd of elephants in Dhodrobaru village.
The month of November also witnessed casualties, including Sitaram Mochi, who lost his life in the Ramkanda block of Garhwa district.
Throughout December alone, elephants have terrorized more than 100 villages across various districts in Jharkhand, including Chatra, Latehar, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Gumla, Chaibasa, Garhwa, Giridih, and Bokaro. The damage, particularly severe during the harvesting season, has left villagers in distress.
Jharkhand is home to approximately 600-700 elephants, as per a recent report from the state government. These majestic yet often destructive creatures cause an estimated annual loss of Rs 60-70 crore in property and agricultural damage.
The conflict between humans and elephants continues to intensify, exacerbated by habitat encroachment and diminishing forest areas. As elephants increasingly encroach into human settlements, the toll on lives and livelihoods remains alarmingly high.
