Wild elephant menace intensifies in Kanchanpur, threatening crops and settlements

Kanchanpur: Local residents in Kanchanpur district have been gripped by fear following the increasing movement of wild elephants straying out of Shuklaphanta National Park. In recent days, elephants have entered human settlements, causing extensive damage to houses, crops and farmland, creating serious challenges for locals in protecting both their livelihoods and residences.

On Wednesday night, 40-year-old Chhakku Dagoura was seriously injured while attempting to drive away wild elephants in Shukraraj Tole of Bagphata, Bhimdatta Municipality-19. According to the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, an elephant that entered the settlement attacked Dagoura at around 9:30 pm, inflicting severe injuries to his head, face, chest and hand. After receiving initial treatment at Mahakali Provincial Hospital in Mahendranagar, Dagoura is undergoing further treatment at Maya Metro Hospital in Dhangadhi, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara.

The threat of wild elephants has also escalated in Jhilmila of Beldandi Rural Municipality-5, Kanchanpur. On Mangsir 20 at around 4 am, a wild elephant that strayed from Shuklaphanta National Park entered the village and caused extensive damage to houses, stored grain and standing crops. Although no human casualties were reported, the physical and agricultural losses were significant.

The two-room thatched house made of wood and mud belonging to local resident Kamal Giri was completely destroyed in the elephant attack. Additionally, sugarcane, wheat and mustard crops planted on approximately five acres of land were damaged. Following the destruction of their house, Giri’s family of four has been forced to take shelter at a relative’s home. Locals also reported damage to the thatched houses and kitchens of Nepali Giri and Birjani Giri.

Residents stated that the same elephant returned to the village again on Saturday night after entering on Friday night. The fear among locals has intensified as the elephant returned after initially being driven away with loud noises. Although the elephants were pushed back into the park through joint efforts of the Nepal Police, Nepal Army and local residents, concerns remain that they may return.

With the growing elephant menace, locals have demanded a proper assessment of the damages caused by wild animals and the provision of relief and compensation. They have complained that ineffective management of Shuklaphanta National Park has contributed to the increasing entry of elephants into settlements.

Meanwhile, Shuklaphanta National Park has urged residents not to chase wild elephants into settlements and to inform the park office with detailed information if any damage occurs. Park Information Officer Purushottam Wagle said that compensation is being provided based on the details of damage caused by wild animals.

Local representatives have also called on the park administration to monitor affected areas and adopt long-term measures to prevent elephants from entering settlements. However, with repeated incidents of elephants straying into villages, ensuring crop protection and safe habitation in the border settlements of Kanchanpur has emerged as a serious challenge.