Wild elephant herd of 50 causes panic, Destruction in Kanchanpur

Dhangadhi: A herd of approximately 50 wild elephants has been terrorizing residents in the southern regions of Kanchanpur, particularly in Laljhadi Rural Municipality and Belauri Municipality, for over a month and a half. The elephants, roaming day and night through sugarcane fields, have left locals in constant fear.

According to Nirmal Rana, Chairman of Laljhadi Rural Municipality, the elephants’ prolonged presence has significantly disrupted daily life. "Moving around has become dangerous due to the wild elephants," he said, adding that the herd has destroyed nearly 50 bigha of sugarcane crops and damaged homes in Laljhadi-3 and Laljhadi-4. In response, local farmers have resorted to staying awake at night to protect their fields.

Tragically, the elephants claimed two lives this month. On Ashoj 13, 50-year-old Ramdal Rana of Laljhadi-4 was killed while trying to drive the herd away, and a week later, a wild elephant killed 22-year-old Umesh Chaudhary of Belauri-6. The elephants’ frequent visits to the village during the day have heightened concerns, as it has become increasingly difficult for residents to move safely within the area.

In an effort to manage the situation, the municipality has deployed tractors, drums, and even JCB equipment to deter the elephants from approaching farms and homes. "When we chase them with JCB, they attempt to confront the machine," said Chairman Rana, explaining the challenge of displacing the elephants from settlements.

The elephant herd moves through the Mohana-Laljhadi corridor, an area they frequent while traveling between India’s Dudhuwa National Park and the surrounding forests. The resulting damage to human settlements and crops, particularly sugarcane, has put farmers in distress. Despite their efforts, local farmers report difficulty in driving the elephants away and are calling on authorities for long-term solutions.

Dinesh Kumar Yadav, a forest officer at the Divisional Forest Office, Kunda, acknowledged the ongoing threat of wild elephants in the eastern areas of Kanchanpur. Yadav noted that this year alone, elephants have been responsible for two fatalities as well as crop and property damage. The government has initiated compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives to wild animal attacks, along with provisions to support farmers affected by agricultural losses.