HT Correspondent
KHERONI, July 30: In a severe case of human-wildlife conflict, a herd of wild elephants caused extensive damage in the Mailoo area under the Southern Forest Range Office in West Karbi Anglong district, demolishing five houses belonging to two families from Jiribasa and Belbari villages.
Rajkumar Ram of Jiribasa lost two structures, including a concrete house and a kitchen, along with stored rice, pulses, clothing, and household utensils.
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In a similar incident, Joyram Kumhar of Belbari village had three houses destroyed.
The elephants also damaged nearly 1.5 to 2 tonnes of stored paddy, along with jaggery, rice, pulses, clothes, drums, and kitchenware.
Both families managed to escape under cover of darkness, narrowly avoiding harm. No casualties were reported.
Locals have expressed growing concern over the recurring elephant intrusions, criticising the forest department for what they allege is continued inaction in addressing the problem.
Incidents involving wild elephants have become increasingly frequent in the region, raising fears and disrupting livelihoods.
