Panic has gripped farmers in Khanapur taluk as herds of wild elephants continue to enter villages, destroying standing crops and leaving locals anxious and helpless. Villagers allege that forest officials have shown little response despite repeated complaints.
For the past two weeks, elephants have been sighted in Maskenatti, Bhuranaki, Karikatti, Ghastolli, and nearby areas, damaging paddy, maize, and sugarcane crops. Farmers say months of effort are being wiped out within minutes, leaving them with no way to recover their losses.
“Every year, we face the same ordeal. We file complaints, seek compensation, and ask for preventive steps, but nothing changes,” said a farmer from Maskenatti. “Our livelihood depends solely on farming, and such destruction pushes us into debt.”
The situation worsened on Friday when a herd entered the outskirts of Maskenatti village, causing panic. Attempts by villagers to drive the elephants away using firecrackers and loud noises failed.
Residents have criticised the Forest Department for not deploying teams or implementing effective measures. Farmers have urged officials to create elephant-proof trenches, install solar fencing, and form rapid-response teams to tackle the recurring problem.
