SHILLONG: Mawsynram MLA Ollan Singh Suin has expressed serious concern over the increasing attacks by wild elephants on farmers in the Mawsynram region.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Suin said the herd of elephants, believed to have strayed from the Ranikor area, has moved into Umsarang and several other villages under the Mawsynram constituency, causing widespread destruction to crops and even damaging houses.
He said the situation has created fear and danger for local residents as the elephants have become increasingly aggressive. According to him, villagers have tried their best not to provoke the animals, but despite their efforts they have been unable to prevent the destruction caused by the herd.
The Mawsynram MLA said he has already taken up the matter with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), urging the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure that the herd of around five elephants currently roaming the Mawsynram plains is driven out at the earliest.
Suin added that discussions have also been held on the possibility of relocating the elephants to Assam or other suitable areas so that local residents can be spared from danger and further damage to their crops.
He further informed that he has urged the government to provide compensation for the crops destroyed by the elephants, including paddy, betel nut, broom grass and other agricultural produce.
