Elephants destroy banana plantation

Wild elephants have destroyed the banana crop, cultivated on more than five acres of land at Kumaturu village near here.

The raid of the elephants on the plantation has led to a loss of over Rs 10 lakh, leaving the growers in despair.

The land is part of a 20-acre banana plantation owned by Kotrangada Mandanna, Harish and Nanjappa of the village.

More than 20 aluminium pipes laid on the ground for irrigation purpose at the plantations have also been damaged.

Farmers' Association President Chimanda Ganesh has urged the Forest Department to provide compensation for the loss of the crop.

“The elephants should be chased back to the forest and the aggrieved farmer should receive fair compensation for the losses incurred,” Ganesh said. The officials have assured them of compensation.

The forest officers have started an operation to drive the elephants which are camping at the villages back to the forest.