Sullia: Panic spread across Markanja village in Sullia Taluk after a wild elephant strayed into farmlands and caused extensive damage to crops, leaving multiple farmers counting heavy losses.
Rampage across several localities
The incident occurred late on Thursday when the elephant entered agricultural fields in Pareppadi, Ubral, and Mavji localities. Farmlands owned by Pareppadi Prashanth Rai and Himakar Mavji were among the worst affected.
The animal also destroyed crops belonging to Keshav Gowda (Mavji), Sadashiva Gowda, Monappa Gowda, Parvathi, Ruksmiyya Gowda (Mittaperlu) and Shashidhar Golyadi Rameshwar, causing widespread losses in Ubral.
In addition, plantations owned by Dasarabailu Shivarajan Rao, Akirekadu Harish Rao, Chandrashekhar Rao and Chamayya Kuduli were damaged, intensifying concerns over recurring wildlife intrusions in the area.
Persistent elephant menace
Residents said wild elephant intrusions have been a recurring problem in Markanja and neighbouring villages. “For months now, we have been living in fear. Crops are being destroyed repeatedly, and no permanent solution has been implemented,” a local farmer said.
Appeal for relief and preventive measures
Farmers have urged the forest department to take immediate action to drive the elephant back into the forest and implement measures such as solar fencing or trenching to prevent future incidents. They also appealed for prompt compensation for their losses, which include paddy, arecanut, and banana plantations.
Conclusion
As crop damage continues to mount, villagers hope the authorities will respond quickly to curb the elephant menace and provide much-needed relief to the affected farming families.