Correspondent
MAILOO, Jul 30: In a fresh case of human-wildlife conflict, a herd of wild elephants went on a destructive rampage in the Mailoo area under the Southern Forest Range Office of West Karbi Anglong district, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The incident, which occurred during the night, resulted in the complete damage of five houses, affecting two families from Jiribasa and Belbari villages.
Rajkumar Ram, a resident of Jiribasa, lost both his concrete house and kitchen in the attack. His stored food grains including rice and pulses, along with clothes, utensils, and other household belongings, were destroyed by the elephants.
In a similar fate, Joyram Kumhar from Belbari village saw three of his houses reduced to rubble. He reported the loss of over 1.5 to 2 tonnes of stored paddy, jaggery, essential grains, clothes, and other daily-use items. The families had to flee into the darkness to save their lives, narrowly escaping harm.
Local villagers say such elephant intrusions have become increasingly frequent and alarming, especially during the monsoon season when elephants often stray from the forests into human settlements in search of food.
Residents expressed deep frustration over what they allege is the forest department’s inaction in tackling the issue. Despite repeated appeals, no long-term solution or protective measures have been implemented, they claimed.
“The damage is not just to property—it affects our lives, livelihoods, and peace of mind,” said a local resident, urging the forest authorities to deploy preventive measures like solar fencing, early warning systems, or regular patrolling in vulnerable areas.