MIDNAPORE: After facing strong resistance while trying to cross over into Odisha, a herd of about 100 Dalma elephants has split into several groups, with one herd of about 50 members moving as far as the Chandra range near Midnapore town where it has caused extensive damage to homes and crop.
The group proceeded into Kalibasa forest between Kotwali and Salboni on Wednesday.
Forest officials said after the first failed bid on Thursday, the herd tried to enter Odisha for the second time on Tuesday but its entry was thwarted by trenches, fire crackers, fires and electric fences. Trying to push the herd back into Bankura, the officials were talking to Odisha officials, asking them to allow safe passage to the elephants.
The forest department is making preparations to push this group in the herd through Bhadutala, Pirakata and Lalgarh. DFO Vijay Shalimath said, “If we also chase them, they will turn more violent. We are preparing a list of those whose homes or crops have been damaged, they will be compensated.”
The other 50 elephants have split into several groups, which are heading for Lalgarh, also damaging crops on about 100 bighas in Nayagram.