Shillong: Wild elephants are tearing through South West Khasi Hills. Herds are smashing plantations and orchards, leaving local farmers with nothing to sell. The NPP Ranikor Block Unit wants the state government to step in now. They are demanding immediate surveys to track the wreckage across the region.
Villagers in Phutkroh, Mawpud, Rajai, Panchering, Puksora, and Largao report constant raids. Elephants are eating or trampling jackfruit, pineapples, betel nuts, and leaves. These crops are the primary income for these families. The herds are now pushing into areas like Nongnah and Balat where they were once rarely seen.
NPP president Nelbi T Sangma said the financial toll is heavy. "Many farmers are unable to sell their produce this year because their crops have been destroyed. This has caused significant financial distress for families dependent on agriculture," Sangma said. He claims the Forest Department is ghosting the victims despite constant pleas for help.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma previously promised to look into the crisis during a public meeting. His orders for a review have yielded no results on the ground. Villagers are still waiting for officials to show up. They need compensation to survive the year.
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