Wild elephants straying onto public roads and damaging crops on fringes of the forest in Parvathipuram Manyam district are causing concerns among villagers, commuters, and tribal farmers.
The elephant herd had recently been spotted on the main road between Palagummi and Chinnarayudupeta in Parvathipuram mandal, alarming motorists and residents of nearby villages. Acting on the reports, Forest department officials have alerted nearby villages, asking residents to remain cautious.
The herd had been sighted on Sunday near Surampeta in Seethanagaram mandal, where elephants damaged the doors of a Food Corporation of India godown.
Tribal communities living near forested areas say repeated elephant sightings close to their settlements have raised the fears of attacks. Farmers fear the pachyderms may enter farmlands and damage crops.
Forest officials are monitoring the herd and have advised people not to venture alone, particularly at night, into areas where elephants have been sighted.
Officials say the elephant herd had migrated from neighbouring Odisha several years ago. They are making efforts to guide the pachyderms back into Odisha. However, the issue remains unresolved because of coordination between the two neighbouring states.
Villagers living near the forests are seeking a long-term solution to reduce encounters with elephants, prevent crop losses, and ensure public safety.
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