Elephant herd raids coffee plantations in Virajpet

Madikeri: A herd of wild elephants raided coffee plantations of Byrambada village under the Virajpet forest range. For the past few days, a herd of six elephants, including 2 calves, has been roaming in the coffee plantations in this area, causing panic among the villagers.This comes amidst a threat of wild elephants in the areas around Kannangala and Guhya villages, causing labourers to hesitate to go to work.Villagers said gaurs are now roaming on the road at night in Guhya village. In Karadigodu village too, gaurs have also been spotted inside estates, growers said. The villagers are not at peace due to the threat of wild animals. There is concern that schools and colleges will start from next week. The villagers have demanded that the forest department officials take appropriate action in this regard and provide protection to the public.