Another young wild jumbo intrudes into AP from Odisha

Visakhapatnam: Adding to the ongoing crisis, a young elephant strayed into tribal areas of Katragedda in Bhamini mandal, Parvathipuram Manyam district, from Odisha, intensifying threats to people and crops already suffering from the presence of 11 wild jumbos roaming in two groups.North Andhra districts, especially the undivided Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, have faced elephant incursions since 2007, when a herd entered Andhra Pradesh from Odisha's Lakheri forests. Farmers have endured repeated hardships as elephants damaged crops and attacked people. Currently, two groups of elephants — one of seven and another of four — have been roaming in Parvathipuram Manyam for the past couple of years.On Monday, forest staff observed the young male elephant crossing the Vamsadhara River and camping in cashew plantations. Meanwhile, a herd of four tuskers continues to roam in Neradi, Billumanda, Singidi, and Vamsadhara River areas. "This young elephant roamed along the Andhra-Odisha border for the past few days and entered Bhamini mandal at Katragedda village. It is ferocious as it is new to this terrain," said Forest Ranger Manikantha.The elephant entered the same area where four elephants were electrocuted on May 12, 2023. Forest officials have alerted the electricity department and farmers in Katragedda, Neradi, Pakkudibhadra, Vaddangi, Bommika, and surrounding villages. Officials noted the tusker is now close to the Odisha border and may return across at any time.