Meghalaya: Elephant herd goes on rampage again, one house destroyed

TURA

A herd of elephants destroyed one house completely, while fearful villagers ran for their lives in Rajai village under Ranikor subdivision in South West Khasi Hills (SWKH) district of Meghalaya on October 20.

A similar incident happened last week where a herd of elephants destroyed about twelve houses in SWKH district.

As per reports available, the herd of elephants moved through the village early morning creating panic as villagers left their homes and took shelter in the nearby jungle. Locals reported that there were at least 12 elephants in the herd.

The place of incident is close to the border with Bangladesh and falls under the famed elephant corridor.

“The situation is very bad and people have been living in fear as there have been many cases of elephants entering villages for food or if it passes through their route. The damage being done is colossal and these people are facing an uncertain future,” Sangra Marak, the president of United Achik Youth Forum (UAYF), SWKH-based NGO, said.

The NGO has sought the help of the administration in rehabilitating the villagers who have lost their houses while also seeking a wildlife department camp to be set up around the area to bring some relief to the affected villagers.