Wild elephants damage crops in villages near Pilibhit reserve

Pilibhit: Farmers in six villages near the Mala forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are facing fresh crop losses after wild elephants from Nepal damaged standing wheat and sugarcane fields.In Mahua Mustakil village, elephants uprooted two water pumping sets installed for irrigation and dragged them about 50m. The affected farmers have sought protection and compensation from the forest department.Deputy range officer Sher Singh said, "The jumbos stay inside the forest during the day and enter fields at night, damaging crops."Officials said the animals move between Nepal and India through established forest corridors that pass via Pilibhit and adjoining reserves. Forest teams have launched night patrols in Mahua Mustakil, Sirsa Sardah, Khargapur, Pandri, Chaura Khera and Goel Colony, using torches and crackers to keep the elephants away from fields.Around 40 applications covering crop damage across more than 15 acres have been received and forwarded to the revenue department for assessment. Barkhera BJP MLA Swami Pravakta Nand said he would raise the issue with the chief minister if a long-term solution is not found.