An elephant herd damaged crops and uprooted more than 20 coconut trees after entering agricultural fields near Thalavadi here on Thursday night, triggering panic among farmers in the area.
Villagers said a large number of elephants inhabit the forest areas of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. In recent months, elephants have frequently strayed out of the forests and entered villages, causing damage to farmlands. Herds migrating from neighbouring Karnataka are also reported to be moving into forest areas of the district and camping in and around Thalavadi, spreading fear among farmers, livestock rearers, and motorists.
On Thursday night, a herd of wild elephants entered a farm belonging to Lingaraj at Arulavadi village. The elephants reportedly damaged onion crops by feeding on them and trampling the fields, besides uprooting and damaging coconut trees.
Farmers have demanded that the Forest Department provide adequate compensation for the losses. They have also urged officials of the Jerahalli forest range to take steps to prevent elephants from entering agricultural lands. Repeated elephant intrusions have left farmers and the public anxious, they said.
Published – January 02, 2026 07:23 pm IST
