Elephants & Farmers: both are Victims

WELCOME to my Blog. I request you to write to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Orissa, Sri Nabin Pattanaik appealing him to save Elephants and also Rural people, who are invaded and killed by Elephants.
As I often read News on Elephant death and death of Human being in elephant attack, I started following News articles on Elephant existence published in two Leading Local daily—Samaja and The New Indian Express. I think this is an important issue regarding Environment of Orissa, bio-diversity and human life. I have collected such news and briefed in this Blog for one year since October 2008 to September 2009. This is a strong question of existence for this loving animal and life of Poor rural people of Orissa, who are with their great Tolerance bearing the burnt of this hazard.

During this one year time total 75 times such news was printed in these two Dailies. Such News Maximum published during November ’08-- 12 times, December ’08-- 12 times, April ’09-- 12 times and January ’09-- 10 times. Minimum twice such news is published in all months. This says that Elephant-Man conflict is not a periodic happening, it is continuing all through the year.

If we look to the direct damages of Elephant attacks we find that--during this one year time different areas of 16 districts of Orissa are invaded by Elephant problem, these are—Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Anugol, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Debgarh, Phulbani, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Raygada and Capital Bhubaneswar itself. Regarding loses of Human life:--
24 persons are killed by Elephant, and
25 were seriously injured.
I think this is possible only in State like Orissa, where people are simple, non-violent and kindhearted and respectful to culture whole-heartedly.
Regarding loses of Elephants:--
12 no. Elephants are either died due to several reasons or killed by poachers.
1 Elephant was injured by Maoists.
Countless houses are destroyed by Elephants, and many acres of paddy crops in field and peasant’s paddy-stocks are damaged/eaten by elephants.
And none knows whether these poor Farmers are compensated properly for these lose of Life & Livelihood!
I really wonder that People’s Representatives are keeping totally quiet on such damaging matter, and this is an example how unmoved they can remain on Framers death! Only one news I found where Kandhamal MLA presented in Assembly his concern on Elephant menace in the District.

Such human deaths by straying, hostile elephants points to the decaying status of Forest & Bio-diversity in Orissa. Loss in Bio-diversity takes toll on Food chain and also the Health & Nutrition of Human and all other animals. Also this is directly linked to the catastrophe of Climate change. In Orissa Climate change is now clearly visible; this year in 2009, monsoon visited us during end of July only. Climate temperature rose as high as 45-48 degree through out Orissa. Failure of crops, shortage of water, shrinking ground water level, Flash Floods, Draught leading Orissa to a miserable condition where human being is destined to be more and more weak and poor only.
Bio-Diversity board of Orissa is organized recently during April 2009, but this is yet to be functional or its functions are not known. Orissa do not have any Government machinery to monitor and develop wild animals like Elephants, Tigers, Bears etc. Only Sanctuaries is not the answer. Also Orissa is still rich in wild Flora and Fauna but monitoring and preservation and further development of these assets is neglected.

Continuous Attacks of elephants on human habitat warn us on one hand – of the serious condition of Environment which is at stake now and on other hand-- plights of the immediate victims, the villagers. Their Life and Property and Food also livelihood is at stake now. Merely granting some Compensation is not the answer. Each and every human being is valuable; compensation, even if given, goes to the survived relative, but what about that person who dies in elephant attack? S/he also must have much potential, many dreams—which remains unfulfilled with his demise. I think Government should take these losses of life more seriously. Rural people, poor people also have a Right to Life, which is basic Human Rights; but if Government could not check such Elephant menaces and repeatedly such incidences happens-- do the Government shows that it respects rural poor peoples Right to Life?

Through this Blog I am appealing to all conscious people to raise voice to save Elephants and Rural people, Save Forest & Environment, and act on Climate Change in Orissa.

Below is the compilation of such news:--

27th September, 2009. Sunday Indian Express. Corridor of survival shrinking for Elephants in Orissa. During last 10 years around 400 elephants died in Orissa. Encroachments, Mining, Urbanization, large infrastructures like Road networks and Railway lines have led to decaying of corridors of elephants. Wild Life Trust of India, has done a mapping of elephant corridor had identified nine such stretches is Orissa, six of these are in side Orissa and two are inter-state. “the forced restraints on their movement and consequent confinement to small groups changed behaviour of the elephants and Human-elephant conflict was on the rise”. Protection of the corridors (PA—Protected Area status) is important observed WTI “If the Orissa government is so keen to improve the corridor and resurrect them, the first thing it can do it accord PA status to them while improving their conditions”

September 13, 2009. Samaja. “Hatibareni”(Prevent elephant) puja observed to get rid of Elephant menace. 66 families of Kankeikoli (Debgarh district) cultivated 60 acre land in the village, but elephant herds are damaging crops since last 6/7 days. Villagers tried to chase away the elephants with help of Forest department, but all gone in vain. So they called one Gunia and started “Hatibareni” puja to block elephants enter village. Gunia prayed to Devi Banadurga, Mahisasur, Rakshas (Demons) and sacrificed 5 chickens. Rice with mantra was sprinkled around the village and cultivated land, and villagers made feast with the sacrificed chickens

September 8, 2009, The New Indian Express. Jumbo falls to Death. Carcasses of two elephants—mother & Calf—was found at Kurumtangore village under Sadar Forest range (Dhenkanal district). It is suspected that elephants consumed paddy on which pesticide was sprayed. Elephants bore no injury mark.

September 6, 2009, Samaja. 3 dead in Elephant attack.
3 persons including one child of 8 years age died in elephant attack in Simanbadi area of Daringibadi block (Phulbani District). The elephant herd has broken more than 20 houses in the area also.

Elephant Vs. Man --a real Saga in Orissa

I am compiling News on Elephant Vs. Man in Orissa since October 2008. Local newspapers are publishing news on it regularly. Still it goes on without any solid action or long term action plan and implementation. Following is the compilation:-
August 14, Samaja. Elephant menace. Elephant menace is continuing since last 7 days in Dadarama area. Elephants are eating and destroying paddy in field.

August 6, 2009. The New India Express. A old man was trampled to death by an elephant on the rampage in Baghabuda village under Badgaon police limit during midnight.The irate villagers disrupted traffic on State High way 10, near Kuenta,protesting elephant terror. The person is the 5th victim of such elephant attacks in less than a month. Only July 7th the tusker had brutally killed one couple in Barmal village (Sundergarh).

July 22, 2009. Samaja. Tusker broken 7 houses and smashed old woman to death. One tusker raised vilence in 5 villages of Idma GP of Badgaon Block (Dist: Sundergarh) during the night. After so much destruction and death, the elephant was driven out to nearest forest by forest guards and local people.

July 21, 2009. The Indian Express. Killer Tusker found dead. The ailing tusker who killed a scribe on 19th July found dead in village Khairmalunder Badram Forest range. Forest officials rushed to spot to claim the body for autopsy. Some think the death is due to old age and some think he suffered Sunstroke during summer and failed to overcome it.

July 20, 2009. Indian Express. Jharkhand tusker on prowl in Mayurbhanj. A Rampaging wild tusker strayed into mayurbhanj’s karanjia forests and triggered panic in several bordering villages. It is being sighted mainly in and around Sandeuli, Nuagaon and Kerkera villages under Karanjia division, about 130 km from Baripada.

July 19, 2009, The New Indian Express. Tusker strays into Mayurbhanj forests. A tusker has crossed Midnapore forest (W.B.) and strayed into deuli range of Mayurbhanj district; the tusker is causing extensive damage to villages close to Jalghati forest here.

July 18, 2009. Samaja. Elephant menace in Kandhamal. After the vilent Riot in Kandhamal, Elephant attack is also increased in Kandhamal, reported Sri Karendra Majhi MLA during zero hour in Assembly house. Elephants have broken down hundreds of houses, beneficiaries should be provided with houses through IAY, he said.

Who will survive? Elephant or Man

Through this Blog I am appealing to all conscious people to raise voice to save Elephants and Rural people, Save Forest & Environment, and act on Climate Change in Orissa.
Following is a compilataion of some News published in Local Newspapers on Elephant and Rural victims:-

June 20, 2009. Samaja. Scribe killed by Elephant: An ailing elephant trampled one Scribe of a local newspaper, who went near him to take a close photograph. The incident happened in Bhograpal-Malia forest, under jamankira PS.He was accompanied by 3 Forest staff; while getting ready for clicking, the elephant got annoyed and chased him, caught him and smashed him on ground.

June 17, 2009. The New Indian Express. One trampled to death:
On Sunday midnight about 10 panchydermsdamaged around 40 housesand trampled one man to deah in Gadadi village underBadabanga panchayatof Simonbadi Forest range. The herd also ate the rice and paddy kept in the houses and completely damaged the village school.

28 May, 2009, Samaja. When God saves who can kill. One girl is saved by one elephant from attack of another elephant. One herd of 13 elephant suddenly entered in a village Bandabahal, (Maligaon GP, Bali block, Kalahandi) around 7.30 pm; one Rameswar Naik was sitting in front of their home with wife and daughter (7 years). One elephant started to gallop the small girl, but suddenly another elephant drew her out of his mouth. The girl is admitted in hospital being seriously injured.

May 9, 2009. Samaja. Father-son injured in elephant attack. Lalbahadur Khetri & son was sleeping on verandah in Hadgarh village(Ghasipura) in night. One elephant came and threw the father and pushed the son and then went away. Both got injured.

May 8, 2009. Samaja. Farmer is killed in elephant attack. One farmer of Basupali village (Katarbaga PS, Rengali, Burla) was guarding his stock of paddy in field, suddenly one Tusker entered the place and threw the farmer wit trunk and went away. His son could escape the attack, he took father to village, and then to sambalpur hospital, but he was declared dead.

May 6, 2009. Samaja. Four injured in Tusker attack. Around 3.30 am a tusker attacked a family of four, husband-wife and two children, who were sleeping in the house and broke the house in Thakurpatna Village (Pokrapani sahi) of Sirispal GP, Kendujhar sadar Block. All are admitted in hospital.

April 27, 2009. The New Indian Express. 2 pachyderm electrocuted at Golbandha villageunder Nuapara GP of Padmapur Block (Raygada). They got electrocuted after they came in contact with low lying wires.

April 25, 2009. Samaja. Elephant killed youth. One Kabiraj Bhoi (28 years) was sleeping in paddy field in Uparbahal village (Loisingha Block, Balangir) as usual. One elephant entered the village around night 3 am, and threw the youth to air and smashed his head under feet. The youth died on spot. The elephant has damaged few houses in Barkani village also. One elephant had killed another youth in Dhairakhaman village (3 km from Uparbahal) only 3 months back.

April 24, 2009. Wild elephant Kharsel is working for Government now. This elephant was caught in Kharsel forest (of Baidipali village, Balangir) in 1994; it was troubling in the Balangir area. The elephant was given tranquilizer and caught in 24.7.1994. It got several injuries especially on feet due to shackle. Advocate Bhabani Shankar Tripathy of Balangir filed a case against DFO under prevention of cruelty on animal Act, and appealed to free it from chain and provide proper medication to it.

April 21, 2009. Samaja. Elephant dies. According to locals, one elephant is lying dead in Badarmar Kulunda falsa forest (sambalpur).

April 19, 2009. Samaja. Elephant attack continues in Paikmal area. One Chaitan Patel (35 years) is seriously injured and admitted in hospital.

April 18, 2009. The Indian Express. Man trampled, dies in Hospital. A deciple of Mahima cult identified as Tankadhar Baba of Cheliamal village in Paikmal Block is trampled by a wild Tusker; he was attacked by the elephant and thrown into village tank. He died in hospital.

April 16, 2009. Samaja. Youth seriously injured in elephant attack. The incident happened in Bhandarpokhori village of Jharbandh Block (Bargarh); he went inside forest with his wife and two children to collect mahula.

April 14, 2009. Tusker is shot dead. One Tusker is shot and its valuable ivory is cut by poachers in Badarama Sanctuary (Sambalpur).

April 10. 2009. Two women killed in elephant attack. Around morning 8 am they went inside forest near Purunagarh village (Rerakhol) for collecting forest produce and never returned. Villagers found their dead body around 1 pm.

April 6, 2009. Samaja. Tusker injured 7 and damaged 10 houses. One Tusker entered the village Tailsahi (Bangor GP, Hatdihi Block) in early morning and started madly action. It has broken several tubewell also and smashed cycles of people who came to see the incident.

April 5, 2009. Samaja. One killed in elephant attack. One Shasibhusan Behera was strolling towards a nearby site of Gudigaon Nuapara village (Jharsuguda) was caught by elephant and killed. He was taken to hospital and died.

April 3, 2009. Samaja. Youth killed in elephant attack. In Kambalpur Sanguria village (Girishchandrapur range, Daita GP) one youth was returning to village from forest around 4 pm was attacked and killed by a tusker. The tusker got disturbed due to fire in forest.
April 2, 2009. Mahendra—the Tusker hurt in Maoist attack. The eight feet tall Tusker received five gunshots and a few arrow injuries at Gudgudia; he was deployed at Simlipal tiger Reserve to combat poaching and timber smuggling. Maoists ransacked the Forest Rest house at Gudgudia and torched the four tent accommodation at Jorapada in Simlipal.

Helpless Man & Elephants

22.3.2009. Samaja. One again serious in elephant attack. The elephants who entered Ambabhona area since last 2 weeks today entered Lambipali village, under Atabira PS and created terror. One man is seriously injured in attack and admitted to hospital.
22.3.2009. Samaja. Elephant killed a old woman. One old woman is killed by elephant attackin Brahnibil Bandhasahi of Chendipada PS around morning 6 am; she went out for nature's call, while faced by a herd of 3 elephants. One elephant lifted her on trunk and smashed her on earth.
15.3.2009. Samaja. Elephant menance in Riamal Block area. Twelve elephants are creating havoc since last fourteen days in the villages of the Block. Mahelipada, Nalpada, Tarang GP are among most affected area. Villagers are in a fearful state and trying to save themselves by lighting fires.
6.3.2009. Samaja. Elephant kills 3. Till yesterday night 2 pm to today 11 am, one tusker played with human blood in Ambabhona area. The tusker was in a herd of three; a group of men first saw them near Hirakud dam and tried to escape. One tusker became violent and killed a old woman of the group . later it entered village, destroyed crops, broke houses and killed two other

March 18, 2009. Samaja. Baby jumbo joins mother in heaven. Two year ago Ananta was part of a herd two of whom was killed by speeding train in Keonjhar district. Nandankana zoo keepers fondly raised him, but it collapsed ultimately.


March 7, 2009. Samaja. Due to Forest Fire elephants are entering villages in Ambabhona, Bhatli (Bargarh).

Elephant & Man: Face to Face in Orissa.

News articles on Death of villagers in Elephant attack or Death of Elephant almost every day appears on Local dailies in Orissa, still is there anybody to care?

Dated 12.2.2009. Samaja. Two Calfs born, 22 Elephants are halting at Subasi forest to protect them. The herd is creating threat to villagers of Gurudijhatia area since last 14 days. They have destroyed around 200 hundred acre paddy and cereals; in Paikrapur and Brahmanbast they have destroyed 500 acre paddy. These elephants are all mature and weighing for 3 tonnes to 18 tonnes.

Dated 12.2.2009. Samaja. Villagers petitioned RDC to protect from Elephant attack. Villagers of Barangakhel and Kerandikhel village (Rambhei GP, Barkot Block, district Debgarh) have filed petition to Revenue Division Commissioner (North) for due help and compensation to the damages and loss occured by Elephant menance during 2007, November.

Dated 11.2.2009. Samaja. One old wooman killed in Elephant attack. One old woman is trampled to death in Mangal jungle under Puranakot P.S. Anugol.

Dated. 7.2.2009. Samaja. One dead in Elephant attack. One man of salesing village, under Redakhol NAC is killed in Elephant attack. He went to Kankrakhol forest near town, where he faced on-spot death by trampling; in evening his relatives found his body there. Villagers blocked the High way near Bus stand to stand with the dead-body .

Dated 4.2.2009. Samaja. Elephant menance at Saheba. One Tusker is creating terror in Saheba and Podamal villages of Naktideol block since last two weeks. The tusker is visiting the villages every evening and eating paddy from the stock. When villagers try to chase him, he is becoming more furious; some villagers are injured in the chase. He is destroying the houses also. Local forester says, they are working very hard to drive the elephant.

Elephants Vs.Man: A Struggle for existence in Orissa.

Heavy loss of Forest has placed the Elephant and Rural people now face to face-- in Orissa. It is becoming a common news now Man Vs. elephant struggling for existence. Life of villagers and of Elephants both at risk now. I have decided to compile such News and start an Advocacy Campaign to save both villagers and Elephants. Please read it:

• 17.1.2009. Samaja. One elephant died in electrocution, other guarded his body for next 14 hours. The elephants were eating stocked paddy in S. Mukundapur village (Bhramapur panchayat under Digapahandi Forest Range), while Tribals chased them with blowing drums; they left the village, but the 11kv electric were touched the head of an elephant, it died on spot. Another elephant got unconscious in touch with the dead one. After around one hour the elephant came back to sense and stood to guard the laid elephant. Villagers and Forest officials did all efforts, but could not chase it for next 14 hours.
• 15.1.2009. Elephant terror in Kamakhyanagr. Since last 7th January a herd of 22 elephants have entered this area, they have came from Hindol area, crossing Dumusinga, Jalanga, Kanti, Katni, Jaka,, Ratna shankarpur, Kharuahata villages and staying at deep forest near Machhiya village. After sun-set they are entering nearby villages. They have eaten vegetable and sugarcane plants in Khuntubati, Jaka and Shalpada villages. Strikes by Forst guard is also adding much plight to the situations.
• 12.1.2009. Samaja. Elephant menance caused loss of crop. Elephant menance is increased At Orgaon; a herd came down from Gayasing hills and entered a Crushing unit, labourers fled in fear. The herd later Bandhasahi village; people started fleeing, 3 persons felled in a ditch and got injured. The elephants damaged Sugarcane & vegetable crops and ate stocks of paddy.
• 8.1.2009. Samaja. Farmer killed in elephant attack. In Dhaurakhaman (Nuapada) village of Gaourenmunda Panchayat, Gaisilet PS, one farmer was tossed by the Tusker to death; the man was taking a rest in a hut after completing paddy boiling at night, when the Tusker entered there, destroyed the hut and tossed him spot death. Last year also one person was killed at Badimunda, just 2 km away from this place.
• 5.1.2009. Samaja. Tuskers spread terror at Tamka: Just at sun-set, two tuskers are regularly climbing down from Mahagiri hills and visiting villages near Tamaka Reserved Forest (Dhangadi Block). They have spread terror in Patbali, Kathbati, Champajhar, Tungeisuni, Rajghati, Nuasahi etc villages; they have broken at east 10 houses and eating stocked paddies daily.
• 4.1.2009. Samaja. 180 persons died in elephant attacks in 4 years. According to Government department Reports, during last 4 years in Orissa, in elephant attack, 180 persons have died, 1470 houses are broken and Crop loss happened to minimum 6,000 acre land and Compensation is paid around 2 crore rupees.
• 3.1.09 : Indian Express. 1 killed in elephant attack. One person (55 yrs) killed in Kerojoili, (Kamakhyanagr PS) in elephant attack. The animal entere Balisahi at midnight and were destroying paddy crops, when he came in front of the animal.Elephant attacked him killing him on spot.
• 3.1.09.: Indian Express. Jumbo herd Driven out. The Forest Dept officials managed to drive away the elephant herd from Bhanjabihar campus. Two elephants of the herd ran away towards Narayanpatna village and rest 11 headed towars Badadumbula forest.
• 1.1.2009: Indian Express. Jumbos enter Berhampur University campus. A herd of 13 elephants including two tuskers who raised alarm in a number of villages in Chatrapur Block for last four days entered the Versity campus; when students raised alarm the herd entered in the forest adjacent to University Guest house, while injuring one youth on the way.
• 1.1.2009: Samaja. One died in Elephant attack in Kerjuli village of Kankrahar Block (kamakhyanagr). The unfortunate man went to the backside of his cottage in midnight; the elephant was eating his stock of paddy heaped there. The elephant captured the man by trum and threw him violently.

Elephants searching Home

This is a picture of an elephant caught and chained in Balangir Forest, of Western Orissa, in 1994. The saga of such episodes has started since early ninetis. Today they are almost cornered by civilization & destruction of Jungles.
Do you know Jumbos are very very quickly vanishing from Orissa. local news papers almost every day publish a news regarding death of an elephant or death of human caused by attack by elephant. Even herds of elephant comes out from forests which are destroyed by Jungle mafias and others. I have collected just 3 months news articles on this menance. just read it:

• 31.12.2008. Samaja. Elephants are decreasing in number in Orissa. Number of elephants in Forests of mayurbhanj, Baitarini, Sambalpur, Mahanadi, and Souh Orissa Elephant Sanctuary was 2044 in May 1979, but in 2007 the number decreased to 1862 only. Atleast 51 elephants are died out of electrocution during last 7 years.
• 29.12.2008. Samaja. One small girl (3 Yrs) of Village Sanjiuli of Partilo GP underPandapada PS was killed by elephant two years ago; but the parents have not yet received any compensation from the authority.
• 29.12.2008. Tusker terror in capital, 6 injured. One Tusker has entered the Capital Bhubaneswar from Chanda dompada sanctuary; he crushed a tat-Sumo car, 6 person sustained injury, when they were fleeing in fear.
• 27.12.2007. Samaja. One family is paid compensation for death due to elephant attack in Daspalla. The man died in 2007 to protect his paddy from elephants.
• 26.12.2008. Samaja. Another person died in elephant attack in Raikira Block under Baliguda range, when he was returning to his village Mandabada from Parabud village in evening.
• 21.12.2008. Samaja. One died in Elephant attack. One farmer who went to paddy field to work is killed by an elephant in Balipani village of Debgarh Block (Debgarh).
• 17.12.2008. Samaja. One died in elephant attack. In jarda village of Pankadihi GP, while going to visit his relative in he village. The tusker caught him by trump and smashed him under feet.
• 11.12.2008. Indian Express. Elephant hurls youth to death. A wild elephant killed one 27 year old youth in Kichimiri village of Budham GP about 30 km from Rajgangpur PS. He was coming to village crossing the forest and was attacked by 5-6 elephants, while other villagers accompanying him fled.
• 7.12.2008. Indian Express. Jumbos chased away. Forest officials managed to chase a herd of 45 elephants that had strayed into villages located in the foothills of Barapahad Hill range under Dungripali P.S. Sonepur district. Elephants destroyed paddy crop over 45 hectares in villages of Rengali, Tileimal, Bangtentuli, saharapali, Bisalpali, Lihurapali and Kudatera.
• 6.12.2008. Samaja.Elephant herd left Sonepur. A herd of 50 elephants that were creating terror in Rengali Panchayat area since last few days, headed towards Barapahar. On the way they damaged crops in Bishalpali, Khemundiamunda, Tileimal etc villages. They crops over 100 acres in many villages.
• 4.12.2008. Samaja. A Tusker Elephant is shot by gun in Satkoshia Sanctuary, but Forest Departmet not yet able to trace it out; it is suspected to be prowling in the forest
• 1.12.2008. Samaja. In Loisinga (Balangir) Elephants are invading since last 7 years, but no prohibitory actions are taken till now.kadalipali, badibahal, Khuntimunda, Chouhanpali, Bhaliamunda, Ranasarda, nardakata, Dumerpalipandiadungri etc villages are facing regular destruction of crops by elephants.
• 30.11.2008: Samaja. Terror by Elephants destroyed 3 huts and ready paddy of 1,000 acre land. A herd of 22 elephants has raised much terror in 4 GPs of of Talcher Forest range. They are hiding in forest during day time and coming out to eat paddy during night.
• 26.11.2008. Indian Express. Jumbo menace stalks Sambalpur farmers. Elephants have trample at least 21 persons in eight years.And at least 750 hectres of standing paddy crops have been damaged by the animal.
• 25.11.2008, Indian Express. Pachyderm found dead in Gurundia Reserve Forest, Bonai sub-division, it is claimed to be over 85 years old, and had a natural death.
• 22.11.2008 samaja. Elephant calf died, who was rescued by Forest officials a d Tribals from pit.
• 21.11.2008. Samaja. Elephant calf rescued from pit. One ten month old calf was rescued by Tribals from a pit in forest in Kahallikot block.
• 20.11.2008. Samaja. Elephant corridor blocked by aerodrome boundary, Elephants are roaming in Malimunda area (Jharsuguda). The herd is unwilling to leave the Malimunda forest to protect its new-born calf; the herd has many calves and pregnant female elephants. They are eating stocked crops in Malimunda and Jamadarpada villages at night.
• 18.11.2008. Indian Express. Jumbos on the prowl in Jharsuguda. They are seen on the outskirt of Jharsuguda town on Jharsuguda –Sundargarh road paralysing traffick for two hours on busy state High Way. They destroyed paddy in villages like Malimunda, Bandarpada and Jamidarpada.
• 14.11.2008. Indian Express. Elephants trigger panic in villages; a herd of about 100 elephant invaded the villages of Malimunda, Bandarpada, and Balijhuri and damaged the crops.
• 8.11.2008. Samaja. Elephants herd enters villages and destroyed crops in Dereng and Ghantianali villages of Kanhia Block
• 7.11.2008. Indian Express. Carcass of a 10 year old Female elephant found lying in Kandhara Reserve Forestin Hindol Sub-division of Dhenkanal.
• 6.11.2008. Samaja. Elephants raising panic in 3 Gram Panchayats—Kashigumma, Gunpur, mahulpatna (Kalahandi)
• 5.11.2008. Indian Express. Elephant Calf rescused from well. Officials of Kolabira Forest range has rescued this calf from well of a farmer at Bahamunda village, Kendumal GP (Jharsuguda).
• 27.10.2008. Samaja. 3 injured in Tusker attack near Grinjelmal village of Gaisilet Block (Bargarh).
• 17.10.2008: Indian Express: Another Tusker electrocuted. In Chandanmura Dungri, a hillock of Sankobahal village, under Bamra Forest Wildlife division. The Tusker was about 50 years old and with a height of 2.61 meterand the two tusks measured about 2 feet each.