Jul 01, Kathmandu - Residents of Bahundangi in Jhapa district are living in fear due to the increasing attacks by wild elephants. Herds of elephants frequently enter the area, destroying crops and threatening local lives, causing widespread panic among the community.

Since the attacks began, a total of 31 people have lost their lives—29 in previous incidents and 2 this year—highlighting the severity of the problem. To protect residents and their livelihoods, the government had previously installed a solar fencing wire spanning 17.14 kilometers along the western bank of the Mechi River.

However, the solar panels have now fallen into disrepair, leaving the area vulnerable. Local resident Ramesh Dahal emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to prevent elephants from entering, destroying crops, damage homes, attack humans, and harm livestock.

The District Administration Office has deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the area, with former Bahundangi Village Committee Chair Neelkanth Tiwari confirming the initiative. Additionally, authorities are dispatching police and security forces to contain the elephants and protect residents.

Local citizens, along with the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, have submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister and the District Administration Office to seek urgent measures. For over 40 years, the people of Bahundangi have endured the terror of wild elephants, and the community continues to demand effective solutions to end this ongoing crisis.