Farmers in upper Kodaikanal hill have been facing threat from wild animals, especially elephants camping in the area for a long time.
A herd of wild elephants destroyed banana plantations at a farm owned by John Peter of Kamarajarpuram at Vilpatti panchayat on Monday night. Forest officials inspected the area on Tuesday and asked the Village Administrative Officer to assess the damage.
They held discussions with local people and farmers and chalked out plans to chase the animals into the reserve forests.
“Earlier we faced water shortage and were striving hard to protect the crops from withering. But we received sufficient rain this season but the wild animals are a cause of concern,” said a farmer.
Many other farmers also point out that frequent raid by wild elephants was threatening their livelihood itself as destruction of long-term crops would spell doom.
The farmers appealed to the forest officials to take steps to pay compensation immediately for the damaged crops.
Meanwhile, another herd of elephants with a calf is camping near Anju Veedu area owing to availability of jackfruit and water.
With no water in plains few months ago, wild elephants in Palani range migrated to Anju Veedu area for food and water.
Similarly, farmers at Kombai and nearby villages in Kannivadi have been facing threat from wild boars which destroyed maize crops at several villages.
