The problem is particularly acute in the Majra and Girinagar forest ranges of Paonta Sahib subdivision in Sirmaur district, where human-elephant conflict has intensified over the past two years. Herds of elephants frequently stray into agricultural fields from the adjoining Rajaji National Park and surrounding areas in Uttarakhand, causing extensive damage to crops and orchards.In the latest incident, a herd of four elephants entered Sattiwala village on Sunday and ravaged a mango orchard belonging to farmer Kehar Singh. The elephants uprooted six mango trees and caused significant damage to the plantation. Local residents say such incidents have become increasingly common as the region emerges both as an elephant corridor and a conflict-prone zone.The losses are not limited to orchards.
मुख्य विवरण
Last year, elephants destroyed the standing wheat crop of farmer Nazeer Mohammed in Ghuttanpur village during a midnight raid, highlighting the recurring threat faced by cultivators in the area.The repeated attacks have triggered resentment among farmers who claim they receive little or no compensation for their losses. While the Forest Department does not provide compensation for crop damage caused by wild animals, the Revenue Department offers only about Rs 2,500 per bigha, an amount farmers describe as grossly inadequate. Agricultural land located near forest boundaries remains particularly vulnerable to elephant incursions.Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Paonta Sahib, Aditya Sharma, acknowledged that incidents of elephant depredation have increased substantially in the Majra and Girinagar ranges. He said multiple cases involving damage to crops and property have been reported in recent years.Sharma pointed out that affected farmers have been unable to claim benefits under the PMFBY because the state government has yet to notify conflict zones and identify wild animals responsible for crop damage, a prerequisite under the scheme.