Chandrapur: A herd of wild elephants has once again crossed the Wainganga river from Gadchiroli and entered Saoli taluka, with the animals being sighted around Karoli, Akapur and Gevra villages. Their return has triggered fresh concern among farmers and residents, particularly amid fears of crop damage and human-elephant conflict.The elephant movement between Gadchiroli and Saoli has continued for the past three years, with herds regularly crossing the river into agricultural areas. Around three months ago, a herd of 32 elephants remained in Saoli for nearly a month. A resident of Sonapur, Atul Gohane, was killed in an elephant attack during the period, while large tracts of standing crops were damaged.Forest officials are closely monitoring the latest herd and tracking its movement to prevent any confrontation with villagers. Field teams have been alerted in vulnerable areas and are taking precautionary measures based on the elephants’ movements.The development follows extensive crop damage caused by a herd of 34 elephants in the Churmura agriculture fields and Porla forest ranges of Gadchiroli in recent days. The elephants have trampled standing crops and damaged tur and other pulse crops in farms and settlements.Officials have urged residents of Karoli, Akapur, Gevra and adjoining villages to maintain a safe distance, avoid chasing or approaching elephants and refrain from entering their movement areas at night.Villagers have also been asked to immediately inform forest personnel about sightings.
