Phulbani : It’s not just for a day or two—for the past two to three months, the Udayagiri region has been plagued by elephant menace. These elephants frequently enter roads and villages, causing panic among locals.
Last month, in Malanshuga village, a herd of elephants destroyed crops and even damaged houses and doors. However, the forest department staff in Udayagiri remain inactive. Allegedly, instead of taking responsibility, they visit the sites merely for namesake, pretend to inspect, and then flee the scene, avoiding their duties.
When complaints are raised, no one listens, and some forest officials and guards are even verbally abusing those who complain. Due to fear of elephant attacks, residents of areas like Pada Sahi, Pidika Maha, and nearby villages in Udayagiri are unable to sleep peacefully at night. People are so terrified that they have lost appetite and sleep. During the evenings, elephants are seen wandering on the Kalinga–Udayagiri road in search of food.
Even the afforestation program in this range has failed miserably. Allegations suggest that under the name of tree plantation, fake bills have been made, and lakhs of rupees have been misused by corrupt forest officials. The staff are irregular and don’t attend office properly. Now, people are demanding that the newly appointed DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) take serious note of the situation and implement necessary action.