Wild elephants go on rampage in Jashpur

Pathalgaon, Sep 20 (UNI) A herd of wild elephants went on rampage at Karbala colony in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur town.

Jashpur Divisional Forest Officer Hemant Pandey said the tuskers, who yesterday damaged crops besides several houses, retreated only after frantic efforts were made to chase them away.

Herds of wild elephants had entered Jashpur district headquarters twice within a span of a fortnight.

The pachyderms -- which caused havoc in villages in Jashpur, Sarguja and Raigarh districts -- had been chased away several times into forests in neighbouring Jharkhand.

However, the elephants always found their way back because of the suitable environment in forests in this state.

He said members of forest security committees had been appointed.

Meanwhile, attempts were made to keep wild tuskers at bay by burning fire and exploding crackers.

Pointing out that herds generally traversed between 15-20 km everyday and became aggressive when attacked by catapult (gulel) and stones, he said the menace could be controlled only with the Centre's assistance.

UNI XC-PS SP HT1545