For the past two weeks, wild elephants have been wandering through several villages in Jhapa district, causing fear among the locals. These elephants regularly enter crowded areas, making it harder for people to avoid dangerous encounters.
The elephants have been seen almost daily in areas like Mechinagar, Shivasatakshi, Damak Municipalities, and Kamal Rural Municipality. At night, they leave the forests of the Ratua Afforestation Project and Hamsedumse Community Forest to enter the villages.
Recently, the elephants have ventured into busy areas like Jhiljhile Bazaar in Shivasatakshi. This has led locals to form night patrols to protect their neighborhoods. Binod Sapkota, a local resident, mentioned that large groups gather to chase the elephants away. He noted that while elephants used to appear occasionally, they now come every day. During the day, the elephants stay in the forest, but at night, they roam through the villages. Local youths are helping guide the elephants to safer places.
In Kamal Rural Municipality, elephants have been spotted in Padajungi and Sitapuri, which border Shivasatakshi. Reports suggest the elephants are entering villages mainly in search of food. Similarly, residents of Damak are struggling with frequent elephant visits.
The Elephant Information Centre in Jhapa has observed increased elephant activity, especially in areas with nearby forests like Mechinagar Municipality. Shankar Luitel, who studies elephant movements, explained that loud noises from villagers during such incidents can lead to serious damage. He emphasized that the elephants are searching for food and, in some cases, display destructive behavior. He advised people to avoid provoking or disturbing the elephants to minimize risks.
