Sleepless nights for Keonjhar farmers as elephant herds threaten crops and homes

Keonjhar: Farmers across Keonjhar district are spending sleepless nights guarding their crops and homes from roaming elephant herds that have been causing widespread destruction. With multiple herds moving through the region, villagers are resorting to desperate measures — sleeping on roads, using lights and sound instruments — to protect their livelihoods.Elephant movement has intensified in recent days, leading to extensive damage to crops and houses. From children to the elderly, entire communities are involved in nightly drives, trying to push the elephants back into the forest.“In the daytime, we work in the paddy fields. At night, we stay awake to protect our crops. If this continues, we’ll fall ill. We depend entirely on cultivation to feed our families throughout the year. We appeal to the govt to save our hard-earned harvest,” Purandar Behera, a farmer from the district, said.Forest officials have assured that measures are being taken. “Farmers need not worry about crop and property damage as compensation is being provided. Forest personnel and elephant driving squads are actively monitoring herd movements and working to drive the elephants back into forest areas. We also alert local residents in advance when herds are approaching,” Dhanaraj H D, divisional forest officer (Keonjhar), said.Thousands of farming families are facing mounting challenges as human-elephant conflict continues to rise in Keonjhar. In recent months, several people have lost their lives in elephant attacks. Sources said farmers are expecting a bumper paddy harvest this year, but as the season approaches, elephants are becoming more aggressive, drawn to the ripening crops and venturing deeper into human settlements.