PERNEM
The ‘Omkar’ wild elephant has returned to the Mopa-Tambose area and has begun destroying plantations, triggering renewed concerns among farmers who fear extensive losses during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Farmers are also upset that the elephant is allegedly being driven back and forth across the Goa-Maharashtra border.
According to farmers, the elephant is roaming the border region between Goa and Maharashtra. When the elephant crosses into Maharashtra, attempts are made to drive it towards Goa, and once it enters Goa, the elephant is being pushed back towards Maharashtra.
Farmers have complained that instead of resolving the issue, the elephant repeatedly returns to the same area, ultimately causing the farmers in the border region to bear the brunt of the damage.
Insisting that the problem cannot be solved merely by providing meagre compensation after the damage has occurred, the farmers have reiterated that permanent measures are required to prevent the recurring destruction caused by the elephant.
The current period is crucial for farmers in the run-up to Ganesh Chaturthi. Many farmers have banana crops and other horticultural crops almost ready for sale. Many farmers rely on income generated from this produce during the Chaturthi market to celebrate the festival.
However, the re-entry of the wild elephant into the Mopa-Tambose area at this critical juncture has raised fears that the crops which are ready for harvest could be destroyed, thereby dampening the Chaturthi celebrations.
Local Panchayat member Daya Gavandi has urged the government to take immediate measures.
"Farmers are terrified as the elephant has returned to the Mopa-Tambose area just ahead of Chaturthi. The government must take concrete steps without delay to save the crops that are on the verge of harvest,” said Gavandi.
