After a few months of lull, a herd of four wild elephants has raided standing crops of banana, tomato, and vegetables in the villages abutting Koundinya Elephant Sanctuary in Palamaner constituency. Apart from the herd, a lone elephant has also been causing worry to the farmers. The herd was spotted in the fields near Musalamadugu of Palamaner mandal on Friday night. The elephants damaged crops in a large extent. The herd raided the fields again on Saturday night. The farmers said that the pachyderms were lingering in the Tekumandal forests close by during day time and moving towards the fields at night. The lure of banana plantations was said to be the reason behind the raids.
Palamaner range forest officials confirmed the presence of five wild elephants. Field officials visited the damaged crops and urged the farmers not to tease the animals.
