Shillong, Jul 18: A herd of 13 wild elephants damaged crops and a house in Kolomboit village under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, South West Khasi Hills, late on the night of July 14.
Villagers said the elephants destroyed hundreds of betel nut trees along with pineapple and ginger crops belonging to several farmers. One house was also damaged.
“Fortunately, no one was there in the house that night as my wife, children and I were not at home,” a villager stated. Residents said the herd has been frequenting Ranikor for about four years and is still camping on the outskirts of the village.
The repeated attacks have triggered fear, with farmers now reluctant to go to their farmlands. Villagers have urged the state government to provide compensation for losses and implement protection measures for residents and property.
Human-elephant conflict remains a recurring problem in South West Khasi Hills, with farmers reporting crop damage every year.
