A herd of elephants created panic in Perumalla Gudi Palle village of Chandragiri mandal in Tirupati district after entering agricultural fields and damaging standing crops. Farmers said the elephants destroyed ready-to-harvest produce, causing heavy losses. The incident has once again highlighted the growing conflict between wildlife movement and farming communities in the region.
Local farmers said elephant herds frequently enter crop fields at least once every month. As a result, cultivators continue to suffer repeated losses despite taking precautionary measures. Villagers said the animals move into farmlands during night hours, making it difficult to protect crops. Consequently, fear has spread among residents, especially those living close to forest borders.
Repeated Crop Losses Trouble Farmers
Farmers expressed frustration over the recurring damage caused by elephant movements. Moreover, they said that crops grown with months of effort are getting destroyed within hours. Many cultivators depend entirely on these crops for their livelihood. Therefore, repeated losses have pushed several families into financial stress.
Meanwhile, villagers claimed they had informed forest and revenue officials several times. However, they said the problem continues without a permanent solution. In addition, farmers noted that temporary measures have failed to prevent elephant entry into farmlands.
Villagers Seek Immediate Action
Residents urged authorities to take urgent steps to control elephant movement and protect crops. They demanded early warning systems, fencing, and regular monitoring to prevent further damage. Furthermore, villagers asked officials to provide compensation to affected farmers without delay.
Local leaders also stressed the need for coordination between forest and district administrations. According to them, a long-term strategy is essential to balance wildlife safety and farmer livelihoods. Until then, villagers fear more crop losses in the coming days.
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