Locals allege inaction by forest officials as elephant damages properties in Mopa, Ugvem and Torsem
The wild elephant, ‘Omkar’, seen roaming in Ugvem area of Pernem.
PERNEM
Unhappy with the Forest Department’s failure to move the wild elephant ‘Omkar’ away from human settlements, residents of Ugvem, Mopa and Torsem are planning a meeting at Mauli Temple in Ugvem on Friday to discuss their next steps.
Locals say the elephant has been moving between Mopa, Ugvem and Torsem, causing heavy damage to plantations and property. They have blamed the authorities for not taking adequate steps to control the animal and have warned of protests if the government fails to handle the situation effectively.
Mopa Sarpanch Subodh Mahale said the elephant has begun entering Ugvem at night, creating panic among villagers. “As a result, villagers and farmers are living in fear. There is an urgent need for a permanent solution to control the elephant as soon as possible,” said Mahale.
“We plan to first discuss the issue with Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar. If no solution is found, we will call a joint meeting of villagers to decide the next course of action.”
For the past six days, the elephant has been on the move through Kadshi, Mopa, Torsem and Ugvem.
Recently, the elephant damaged two vehicles at Mahale’s residence. On Wednesday, it returned to the area and damaged nearby plantations before forest teams managed to drive it away.
Locals are also unhappy that the elephant is being pushed back and forth between Goa and Maharashtra. They claim that when it enters Maharashtra, forest teams there drive it back into Goa, and vice versa.
