RAIPUR: A drought-hit farmer in Chhattisgarh’s tribal Jashpur district died of a heart attack aftera herd of 40 elephants destroyed and fed on all his leftover crops on his eight-acre land, a few days ago. The matter came to light on Tuesday after district Congress raised the issue and claimed the forest department had not paid compensation to the family.
Unable to bear the shock of the loss of crop on which his family was dependent and the upcoming financial crunch, Tirki suffered an attack and fainted in the field.
He was admitted to Holy Cross hospital at Kunkuri but due to his serious condition, he was then referred to Ambikapur hospital. With no improvement in his condition, he was further referred to Raipur but due to lack of financial resources, the family couldn’t take him for treatment and he died a few days ago.
While other farmers in the region are equally worried about their crops, Tirki’s family awaits for compensation from forest department.
“He died because elephant damaged all crops, he wasn’t ill or in poor health, hence, we are eligible for compensation,” the farmer’s family said.
Talking to TOI, Congress district president Pawan Agrawal said that the herd of 40 elephants is still in the region and forest department gives only fire crackers and torches to people as precautionary measures.
“Department delays in paying compensation, is the biggest worry for locals here. In case of loss of life, officials give Rs 20,000 initially rest of the amount of Rs 4 lakh takes months to be deposited. Farmers are worried as they are drought hit this year with 40 percent of cultivation, yet danger looms with elephants around,” Agrawal said.