M. Anwarul Haque, Anwara: A herd of elephants gave ladders to ripe paddy in Anwara upazila. The victims said that there has been a loss of half a lakh rupees. Meanwhile, there is fear of elephants among other crop farmers. Some are standing guard. Many are spending sleepless nights. Although the people of the elephant herd are fed up, no effective action is in sight.
It can be said that the concerned administration has no headache about the matter. As a result, there is anger among the common people. Location of elephant herd around Deyang hill of Anwara upazila. Since 2014, a herd of elephants has crossed the conch canal from Banshkhali Hills to Anwara Deyang Hills. After staying for some time, the herd of elephants would go to the Banskhali hills again.
For the past few years, the herd of elephants has been staying at Battali Deyang Hill in Anwara. Herds of elephants enter the locality in search of food. Several times herds of elephants have destroyed people’s houses and shops. Farms and various crops have lost vegetation. People have been injured and killed by elephant herds. It is alleged that the authorities are not paying much attention to this increase in elephant herd movement in the locality. Forest officials are not seen active. Forest workers are also not in a hurry. Common people have become helpless due to herding of elephants. There is extensive damage to crops.
Mofazal Ahmad Khan of Bairag Khan Bari of Anwara Upazila cultivated some land on the side of the hill. The harvest is good. After a few days, the ripe paddy should be cut and taken home. Last Saturday night, the herd of elephants laid a ladder on the ripe paddy on the side of the hill. Herds of elephants have eaten and destroyed the crops.
This matter has been recorded in Anwara police station on Sunday. Mafzal Ahmad Khan said that two farmers ate ripe paddy and destroyed the herd of elephants. Crops worth half a lakh rupees have been damaged. Local teacher Murad bin Zafar said that many people are not farming because of the herd of elephants. People are in fear and panic.
Banskhali Jaldi Forest Officer Anisuzzaman Sheikh said that the herd of elephants has been permanently in Anwara hills for two years. We are monitoring the area. In case of damage, compensation is being given. Meanwhile, the conscious community of the area has called upon the concerned administration to take effective steps to protect the life and property of the common people.
