An elephant herd damaged 3 residential buildings, a solar streetlight and 2 mango trees in Haldoon Tok of Jaurasi Talli village, under Jaurasi Gram Sabha in Dugadda block of Kotdwar. The incident has left residents fearful and prompted a request for immediate preventive measures.
The damage occurred when the herd reached the area on 18 September. The affected homes belonged to Mukesh Kumar, Mahesh Chandra Kukreti and Sohan Lal, according to village head Chandi Prasad Kukreti.
Village seeks compensation and stronger protection
Kukreti has written to the Forest Department seeking compensation for the affected residents. He has also asked officials to assess the damage to the buildings and mango trees before preparing relief claims.
Residents have requested more frequent patrols by forest personnel. They have also sought early completion of an elephant- and wild-boar-resistant wall and solar fencing around the village.
The demands follow concerns about the growing threat from wildlife in the area. The proposed barriers and fencing are intended to reduce the risk of animals entering residential and agricultural spaces.
Forest team assesses damage
Laldhang Ranger Anurag Joshi said the department had received information about damage to homes and trees in Haldoon Tok. Forest personnel have been sent to the site to inspect the losses.
Joshi said a report for compensation would be prepared and forwarded to senior officials soon. He also said patrols in the area had been increased.
The department’s assessment will determine the documented extent of damage to the affected buildings and trees. The compensation process will move forward after the report is submitted to higher authorities.
Conclusion
The immediate verified response is a forest department inspection, a proposed compensation report and increased patrolling, while villagers continue to seek stronger barriers and solar fencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the elephant herd cause damage?
The incident took place at Haldoon Tok in Jaurasi Talli village, within Jaurasi Gram Sabha of Dugadda block, Kotdwar.
Q. What property was damaged?
The herd damaged 3 residential buildings, a solar streetlight and 2 mango trees standing in a field.
Q. Whose homes were affected?
The affected residents were Mukesh Kumar, Mahesh Chandra Kukreti and Sohan Lal.
Q. What have villagers requested?
They have sought compensation, increased forest patrols, an elephant- and wild-boar-resistant wall and solar fencing.
Q. What action has the Forest Department taken?
Forest personnel were sent to inspect the damage, patrols were increased and a compensation report is to be sent to senior officials.
Q. When did the incident occur?
The herd reached Haldoon Tok on 18 September.
