Wild elephants go on rampage in AP villages

Vizianagaram, Aug 4 (UNI) A herd of 11 pachyderms, including two adults, strayed into Jiyyammavalasa and Gummalakshmipuram mandals from Orissa, a couple of days ago.

District Forest Officer B V Ramanababu today said a team from the Forest Department was on the move, round-the-clock to scare them away by bursting crackers and taking other necessary steps. However, it was not easy to catch the elephants as they were moving in a group, he said.

The residents of Bhadragiri area in Jiyyammavalasa mandal in the district were living under constant fear of being trampled by the wild elephants.

The elephants had already destroyed plantain and maize crops.

Mr K Appa Rao and his family at Kesivada village had a narrow escape when the wild elephants destroyed their house recently.

A few villagers alleged though the elephants were destroying the crops and posing serious threat to thie lives, the authorities had not taken any step in this regard.

UNI