Elephant Omkar Returns to Goa, Farmers Fear Crop Destruction
Elephant Omkar returns to Goa after short break, destroys crops; farmers on edge
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A 10-year-old elephant named Omkar has returned to Pernem taluka in North Goa, causing distress among local farmers as it destroys crops in cashew plantations and orchards. With paddy fields ready for harvest, farmers are anxious about potential losses while the forest department monitors Omkar's movements.
- 01Elephant Omkar is causing significant crop damage in Pernem taluka, Goa.
- 02Farmers are particularly worried about their paddy fields, which are ready for harvest.
- 03The forest department is actively monitoring Omkar but faces challenges due to no-fly zones.
- 04Local residents report Omkar damaging vehicles and roaming near homes.
- 05Changes in plantation patterns in the region are pushing elephants out of their natural habitat.
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Farmers in Pernem taluka, North Goa, are facing anxiety as a 10-year-old elephant named Omkar has returned after a brief absence, wreaking havoc on crops. Omkar has been foraging in cashew plantations and orchards in Mopa and nearby villages, raising concerns among farmers whose paddy fields are ready for harvesting. The elephant, which was first sighted in Goa in September 2022 after straying from its herd in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, has previously caused significant crop damage. A senior official from the forest department mentioned that a 25-member team is monitoring Omkar's movements, but they cannot use drones due to the proximity of Manohar International Airport, which is in a no-fly zone. Locals have reported that Omkar has been damaging vehicles while searching for food, as changes in plantation patterns have forced it to leave its natural habitat. Farmers are praying that Omkar does not enter their fields, fearing major financial losses if it does.
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Farmers are at risk of substantial financial loss due to potential destruction of their paddy crops by Omkar, which could impact their livelihoods.
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