Omkar the Elephant: A Village's Balancing Act of Awe and Anxiety

A small village in Goa finds itself in a state of unrest as a 10-year-old elephant named Omkar has taken residence near their fields, causing alarm by attacking crops. The elephant, separated from its herd, wandered into the region from Maharashtra, prompting efforts to reconcile compassion with the villagers' concerns for their livelihoods.

After crossing over from Maharashtra, Omkar selected Tamboxem's lush paddy fields as a temporary home, creating tension among villagers who fear for their homes and crops. Goa's Forest Department is coordinating with Karnataka officials to reunite Omkar with its herd, including elephants Ganesh and Bahubali, located in nearby forests.

Efforts are underway as the fragile line between the village and the fields, marked by a rivulet, heightens villagers' anxieties. With residents confined to their homes, the loss to agriculture and cattle-rearing is becoming a pressing issue. Forest officials are seeking expertise from Karnataka to resolve the situation expediently.

(With inputs from agencies.)