Fri Jan 02 13:53:45 UTC 2026: Summary:
A herd of elephants strayed from the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and neighboring Karnataka into agricultural fields near Thalavadi, Erode, on Thursday night. The elephants damaged onion crops and uprooted coconut trees, causing significant losses for farmer Lingaraj of Arulavadi village. Farmers are demanding compensation from the Forest Department and urging them to take preventative measures against future elephant intrusions. The repeated incursions have caused anxiety among farmers and the public.
News Article:
Elephant Herd Causes Havoc on Erode Farmlands
ERODE, January 2, 2026 – Farmers in Thalavadi, Erode, are reeling after a herd of wild elephants rampaged through agricultural fields Thursday night, causing significant damage. The elephants, believed to have strayed from the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and possibly neighboring Karnataka, targeted onion crops and coconut trees on farmland belonging to local farmer Lingaraj in Arulavadi village.
According to reports, the herd consumed and trampled onion crops, in addition to uprooting and damaging over 20 coconut trees. The incident has sparked panic and outrage among local farmers who have been experiencing increasing problems with elephants entering their land in recent months.
“We are facing constant threat to our livelihoods,” lamented one farmer. “The Forest Department needs to do more to prevent these elephant intrusions.”
Farmers are demanding adequate compensation from the Forest Department to cover their losses. They are also urging officials from the Jerahalli forest range to implement preventative measures to deter elephants from entering agricultural areas. They have expressed concern that repeated elephant incursions have left them and other residents fearful and anxious for their safety.
The Forest Department has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident or address the farmers’ concerns. The situation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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