Residents of the Gelegphu Thromde area called for the region’s forest officials to strictly monitor the elephants. A herd of seven elephants wouldn’t stop bothering them. The herd damaged household goods worth Nu 100,000 a warehouse in Tashiling at around 1 AM today. The same herd damaged goods worth Nu 75,000 July 12.
Following the recent attack, the warehouse owner repaired the main door but that did not help. Santosh Gurung, the owner of the warehouse called for timely interventions from the concerned authorities. “Our forest officials should monitor them properly. Properties were destroyed and if it continues, there will be major destruction.”
The forest official helped chase the elephants. But the herd entered labour camps of an automobile workshop located behind the warehouse. Although the people in the camp escaped unhurt, the elephants damaged their household items.
“I ran from the camp towards the roadside but I left my mobile phone. So I asked for a mobile phone from nearby and called the forest officials. However, by then, the elephants started damaging the camp,” said Harburman, a camp resident.
“The elephants made noise and started coming towards our camp. So we woke up and escaped,” said Madepal, another resident of the camps.
For the Thromde officials, it has been a daunting task to keep the elephants at bay. They have been seeking the support of forestry officials to chase the elephants. It is illegal to kill or cause physical harm to the elephants as per the law. However, as an immediate measure, the Thrompoen said there are plans to clear the bushes in and around the Thromde area.
Karma Wangdi, Gelegphu
