A herd of 20 elephants rampaged the farm lands at Ikkarai Boluvampatti village causing an estimated loss of Rs.4 lakhs to the farmers.
Muthusamy, the owner of the farm has stated that 'The herd entered the farm around midnight of yesterday and rampaged close to 100 banana trees, 30 palm trees, chilly plants and the drip irrigation system at the farm. The ferocious herd also damaged the electric fencing installed at my premise.
He also stated that in spite of informing the forest officials, no one turned out to chase the herd. Left with no option, the farmers jointly chased the herd into the forests.
And, not just this night, every night the herd visits the farmlands and rampages the crops that are due for harvest. Hence, the farmers on shift basis had to stay awake to guard their farms.
The farmers of Ikkarai Boluvampatti village have reported that the forest department should devise plans to chase the elephants permanently into the forests as they are unable to bear the persistent losses caused by wild animals.
The villagers are struck in grief and shock as the herd has camped in their locale.