Bonai, Jan 30: Villagers in at least six villages under the Tamada forest range of Bonai forest division in Odisha's Sundargarh district are living in fear due to frequent movement of a herd of 12 elephants in the area, a source said Friday.

Residents of Badgaon, Dumermunda, Nuniapali and Kantapali villages said the elephants remain inside dense forest during the day but enter human habitations at night, disrupting normal life and causing sleepless nights. With the paddy harvest completed, villagers alleged that the elephants have been breaking into houses where harvested paddy is stored, damaging homes and destroying grain, the source added.

The repeated nighttime incursions have created an atmosphere of fear across the villages, forcing residents to remain awake through the night in an attempt to protect themselves and their property. Despite efforts by villagers to stay alert and guard their homes, they said they have been unable to prevent losses caused by the elephant herd, the source informed.

Forest officials said staff from two forest sections are tracking the movement of the elephants and are making efforts to drive them away from human settlements. However, villagers expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the problem has persisted despite assurances from the forest department.

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While officials have promised compensation in accordance with government guidelines for damage caused by wildlife, local resentment continues to grow as elephant movement in the area shows no signs of abating.