Andhra Pradesh

Wild elephants revisit Agency

VIZIANAGARAM: Tribals and forest officials are spending sleepless nights since the operation to drive away the herd of wild elephants from interior hamlets in G.L.Puram and Kurupam mandals on the Andhra-Orissa border failed. It may be recalled that the wild elephants killed four tribals last month.

Following the incident, the Forest Department brought a trained male elephant from Chittoor and also some 10 mahouts and trackers to guide the herd back into Orissa. The herd, however, returned and it is now moving at Kondalevidi in Kurupam mandal, according to B. Ramana Babu, Divisional Forest Officer.

The tuskers destroyed maize varieties developed at Krishi Vignana Kendra, affiliated to Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University, at Rastakuntubai, crops raised by tribals and uprooted cattle sheds at Jongarapadu. The purpose for which the trained elephant was brought was not served.

When asked, Mr. Ramana Babu said that the department had been spending on an average Rs. 2,000 per day towards food, crackers, fuel and men.

About Rs. 25,000 was so far spent on crackers alone, he added. Three jeeps along with men were moving frequently to keep a vigil on the movement of wild elephants.

Giving reasons for the elephants return, the DFO said due to heavy inflows into River Vamsadhara the herd was not able to cross over to Orissa. Moreover, availability of food and water in plenty and the death of an elephant at Darsi were other factors contributing the failure of the operation.

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