Herd of elephants from India terrify Damak locals

By Bishnu Prasad Pokharel, Damak, Nov. 25: Residents in the northern part of Damak in Jhapa district are worried after a herd of 28 to 30 elephants has been spotted in their area for the past few days. The situation is particularly alarming as these elephants could enter the settlement any time, especially during the night and go berserk.  

Locals are resorting to various measures to drive away the elephants. They blow sirens, use tractors and make fires. 

Nabin Baral, Ward Chairman of Damak Municipality-3, expressed concern, noting that the settlements close to the Hamsedumse Community Forest are particularly vulnerable. He said, “Children and senior citizens are living in constant fear, they hesitate to walk alone fearing the tuskers.”

Following the death of Padma Lal Tamang, 72, a Bhutanese refugee, in an elephant attack on Tuesday evening, heightened panic has gripped the community. 

It used to be normal to see two or four elephants at night and to be 

chased by elephants, but when a large number of elephants are seen at the same time, no one could sleep all night, Baral said. 

He said that locals should stay awake all night and be ready to chase the elephants away.

Prajapati Sapkota, Chairman of Ward No. 2 of the municipality, said that the elephants are causing havoc in Ward Nos. 2 and 3 in Damak. “Despite considerable damage caused by the wild animals, focused efforts to protect residents are missing,” he added. 

He further said that considering the unpredictable nature of elephant movements, urgent measures were needed to ensure the safety of citizens. 

It is reported that the wild elephants from India travel to Damak through the foothills of the Chure area. The northern part of Damak is linked to Chure, housing the Hamsedumse Community Forest, which serves as a suitable habitat for these wild elephants. Locals observe heightened elephant activities, particularly during the paddy harvesting season. 

Ramkumar Thapa, the Mayor of Damak Municipality, has emphasised that installing electric lights in the areas affected by elephants and the major entry points of elephants was a top priority. “The intention is to alert residents about the presence of elephants and provide them with a means to ensure their safety,” he added. 

More than a dozen households have sought compensation from the municipality, citing damages to their homes, sheds, and crops by the elephants within a week, he informed.