Herd of Stray Elephants Wreaks Havoc in Nawada, Bihar

Nawada, Bihar: Residents of the Kawakol area in Nawada district are facing a massive wildlife scare as a herd of 30–35 elephants, believed to have strayed from neighboring Jharkhand, has caused widespread destruction in the region. The elephants trampled standing crops, destroyed stored paddy in granaries, and even damaged infrastructure, leaving locals in a state of panic.

The herd has particularly affected the Lalpur and Sekhodewara areas, flattening paddy fields and causing significant agricultural losses. They also destroyed part of the boundary wall of the Gram Nirman Mandal Sarvodaya Ashram Sekhodewara and the Agricultural Science Center, including a 150-foot-long wall of the ashram. Arvind Kumar, General Secretary of the Gram Nirman Mandal, urged authorities to reconstruct the walls promptly to protect the seed conservation center.

In response to the escalating situation, the Forest Department has taken immediate action. A special team from Bankura, West Bengal, has been summoned to assist the local Kawakol forest staff in controlling the herd and safely returning the elephants to the forest. Meanwhile, ashram personnel, along with forest officials, kept torches burning overnight to deter the elephants and prevent further damage.

The sudden intrusion has created a tense atmosphere, as villagers live in fear of further attacks. The Forest Department continues to monitor the situation closely, striving to safeguard both the residents and the elephants.