Sundargarh Elephant Attack | 25 Tusker Herd Damages Paddy Crops

August 07, 2026, 10:53 AM IST 07 Aug 2026 10:53 IST Kanak Digital Desk Follow Us

Sundargarh Elephant Attack: A herd of 25 elephants has created concern among farmers in Bargaon area of Sundargarh district after damaging agricultural fields and paddy crops. The elephant herd entered farmland near Mahabari hill area under Bargaon Forest Range and caused significant crop loss during the early phase of cultivation. Local farmers reported that the elephants trampled through rice saplings and standing paddy, destroying nearly two acres of farmland in the village of Bargaon. Many cultivators, who had just begun sowing for the kharif season, expressed distress over the sudden loss, with some saying they had invested months of labor and savings into the crops now ruined.

The Forest Department is closely monitoring the movement of the elephants using drone surveillance and AI cameras while taking steps to guide the herd back to the forest. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sundargarh, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We have deployed thermal drones and AI-enabled cameras to track the herd’s real-time movement. Our teams are on ground with kumki elephants and noise deterrents to safely divert the tuskers toward the core forest zone without causing panic or injury." Officials have also started awareness campaigns among local residents to prevent human-elephant conflict. Village meetings were held in Bargaon and nearby hamlets where forest officials advised residents not to gather near the elephants, avoid using fire or loud noises, and immediately report sightings to the forest helpline.\n Kanak News reported that the herd caused significant crop loss in the affected agricultural fields. Farmers have requested compensation under the state’s wildlife damage mitigation scheme, with preliminary assessments being conducted by revenue and forest officials. The incident has reignited discussions about habitat fragmentation and the increasing frequency of elephant incursions into farmlands in northern Odisha, particularly during monsoon when natural food sources shift and corridors are obstructed.

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