PERNEM
After a gap of four months, the wild elephant ‘Omkar’ on Monday returned to torment farmers in Mopa, Tambose and Ugvem areas of Pernem taluka by destroying plantations and other crops.
The farmers have, however, criticised the State government’s inaction to control the wild elephant and insisted that instead of promising compensation after the damage, the government should permanently relocate the elephant to protect agriculture.
On Monday the elephant remained on the main road in Mopa area for almost two hours, causing traffic jams on both sides.
Speaking to reporters, farmer and former sarpanch Shashikant Mahale, Panch Dayanand (Daya) Gawandi, former Panch Ashok Parab, and other farmers in the area spoke of their hardships and losses on account of the wild elephant.
Mahale said the elephant had damaged his orchards thrice. “Bananas and papayas have been destroyed. The trees I had planted four years ago and cherished like children have been completely destroyed by Omkar. How can I measure the cost of this damage in mere monetary terms,” asked Mahale.
Mahale said the government should permanently relocate Omkar, instead merely offering compensation after repeated losses.
“If farmers get a safe environment, unemployed youth will turn to agriculture and horticulture. But today, even those toil in their farms are unsure if their produce will be safe or not.”
Panch member Dayanand (Daya) Gavandi said the elephant had previously visited this area in April.
“We do not want compensation from the government. We have built our plantations with hard work. That income is enough for us. The government should only protect this source of income that we have created with our hard work. Elephants coming every few months, destroying the crops and then discussing compensation is not a solution,” said Gavandi.
He demanded that the forest department announce time-bound and effective measures to permanently control Omkar.
Ashok Parab also demanded a permanent solution to the problem.
“Every time Omkar comes, a large number of plantations are destroyed. Why is there no permanent arrangement till now? How much more damage will take place before the government finally takes a decision,” asked Parab.
