Elephants Destroy Crops in Komarada of Manyam; Farmers Demand Compensation

 VISAKHAPATNAM: Parvathipuram Manyam district witnessed fresh incidents of crop destruction on Friday morning, when a herd of eight elephants entered Komarada mandal and damaged plantations and equipment. Farmers reported that the elephants destroyed palm oil, cotton, and banana crops, apart from an electric pump around 4 a.m.

Friday’s incident comes a day after elephants damaged crops in Garugubilli and GM Valasha mandals, intensifying concerns among farmers who say they do not know how to protect their livelihoods. Cultivators allege that Forest department officials have been inspecting damaged fields and calculating compensation for years. But they have failed to provide a lasting solution.

Farmers express frustration that the situation has not improved even after the arrival of trained kumki elephants Jayanti and Abhimanyu, brought to Sitanagaram mandal last month on the orders of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. The kumkis help control wild elephant movements and reduce crop losses.

When contacted, Parvathipuram Manyam district forest officer (DFO) G.A.P. Prasuna told Deccan Chronicle, “Kumkis are meant to deal with emergencies near human habitations and to drive elephants out of villages and fields. They have successfully driven wild elephants away at several places recently. However, regular beat patrolling is not possible given the vast landscapes. We must understand the behaviour of these mega herbivores and their conservation value, while considering habitat corridors and landscape-level solutions.” The DFO maintained that compensation is being paid promptly.

Following the Friday morning’s incident, farmers, including Bocha Simhachalam, B. Tavithi Naidu, Madaka Gournaidu, Mataka Pakiru, and Tentu Poli Naidu, demanded an immediate inspection and compensation for their damaged crops. They have asked both Revenue and Forest officials to act swiftly.

In a statement, the CPM wanted the government to clarify whether the elephants will be relocated to forests, the Vizag zoo, or the habitat centre near Sitanagaram. If the issue remains unresolved, the party warned that it will stage large-scale protests at the collector’s office alongside farmers.