PERNEM
Panic spread among farmers in Patradevi on Sunday after reports confirmed that the notorious “Omkar” elephant had once again crossed into Goa. Forest Department officials have stepped up surveillance in the area and are closely tracking the elephant’s movement to prevent damage to crops and property. Teams have been deployed to drive the elephant back across the state border.
The concern among locals is heightened by recent events. Just 63 days ago, the same elephant wreaked havoc in Mopa, Torsem and Tambosem, destroying large swathes of agricultural land. Omkar had also caused extensive crop damage in the Banda, Insuli and Amboli regions of Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. Despite continuous efforts by Maharashtra forest officials to chase the elephant away, authorities were unable to contain the situation for over two months.
Now, with Omkar last seen in Patradevi, Pernem taluka, on Sunday, farmers fear a repeat of the destruction witnessed earlier. The Forest Department in Goa has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to manage the situation and safeguard local farmlands.
