From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Sep 26: The grievances of locals of Nongnah and Ranikor area under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division continue have now turned into frustration as herd of wild elephants continue to spell trouble for the villagers.
Having been cornered by the menace, the locals, especially farmers, approached the Khasi Students Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District with their problems.
The union, on Tuesday, called on South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner T Lyngwa and apprised the DC about the problem urging that the wild elephants be chased away from the area.
Speaking to media persons after meeting the DC, president of the KSU South West Khasi Hills District, Forwardman Nongrem, said the farmers have lost almost everything to the rampage of the elephants.
Now they are afraid to even go to the field and work because of the presence of the wild elephants, which are very aggressive, he said.
“…the DC said that the district administration has already discussed the issue with the Wild Life department to hire experts from outside to deal with the issue,” Nongrem said.
He said that the union has asked the DC to expedite the matter as time is of the essence in the situation.
During the meet with the DC, the KSU also demanded compensation for the losses faced by the farmers in the past two years through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a scheme meant to cover the losses due to damages caused by elephants.
The Union submitted a list of 17 farmers who have lost their betel nut trees, broom plantation and houses built at the cultivation site.
It may be mentioned that recently, the Ranikor Area Farmers Association (RAFA) had issues a one-month ultimatum to the government to chase away or get rid of the herd of elephants from the area, while warning of the authorities of being responsible for any harm caused to the wild elephants.