By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 5: Residents of Mawsynram are on edge after a herd of wild elephants strayed into several villages, disrupting daily life and damaging crops.
Mawsynram MLA Ollan Sing Suin on Tuesday expressed concern over the situation, noting that the herd has reached as far as Lawbah village in search of food. He said the presence of the elephants has created fear among villagers, many of whom are now hesitant to leave their homes. “People are scared to venture out, especially farmers who depend on their fields for a livelihood. Agricultural activities have been severely affected as villagers fear encounters with the animals,” Suin said.
Locals reported that the elephants have damaged crops and are moving close to human settlements, raising the risk of human-wildlife conflict. With farming being the primary source of income in the region, the disruption has caused significant economic anxiety.
Criticising the state’s response, the MLA claimed the Forest department has failed to take timely action. Suin urged the department to safely drive the herd away from habitations and called for better coordination with the local administration to monitor elephant movements and alert villagers.
