July 16: Rampaging elephants continue to ravage crops and destroy homes in Singye geog in Sarpang. Wild elephants continue to intrude into farmlands in Singey geog in Sarpang depriving farmers of their sleep and crops.

Our reporter Sonam Rinchen says the three villages of Singye, Thoemba and Deorali are often attacked by rampaging elephants.

On the evening of July 13, wild elephants destroyed five makeshift huts in
Deorali village. Fortunately the occupants were away at the time of incident.

So far around 12 herds of elephants visited the village. Villagers say every year they fight a losing battle with the wild elephants. They said they try to chase them away with fire but it is of no use.

Chasing elephants is also risky because the enraged elephants can often turn back and attack the people who are chasing them. Forestry officials are deployed to guard the village against wild elephants. They fire in the air to chase away the elephants but villagers said the elephants have become immune to this.

The Geog Administration Officer in Singye geog, Nidup Gyeltshen said every incidence is being reported to the Dzongkhag. The Sarpang Dzongda has visited the affected places. He said the Dzongkhag is planning to intensify forestry patrolling and mobilize local people for guarding crops and houses from wild elephants. He said the Dzongkhag will also supply kerosene to the villagers. The villagers use the kerosene to light torches to chase away the elephants.

Dzongda Sangay Thinley said if the deployment of forestry officials turns out to be ineffective, the Dzongkhag will approach the RBP to deploy police personnel as well.

The Dzongda added that various measures were put in place to prevent elephants from encroaching into human settlement. But it has been of no use since Singye geog is located near a dense forest.

Dzongda said the problem has been reported to the government and the government has agreed to look into the issue.

So far more than 31 acres of maize field, five huts and two semi-permanent houses have been damaged by wild elephants. They have also damaged more than 200 areca nut trees and over 20 fruit trees.