Wild Elephant Raids Wreck Crops in Palasbari, Rani

Rampaging herds of wild elephants from Meghalaya forests have caused extensive damage in Palasbari and Rani areas, destroying large stretches of paddy fields and damaging houses, cowsheds, and stored grain. Repeated incursions have intensified human–elephant conflict, forcing villagers to keep nightlong vigil as elephants enter settlements as early as dusk. Residents alleged inadequate response from the Forest Department and lack of visits by public representatives. Meanwhile, farmers have drawn some relief from the Centre’s decision to include crop losses due to wild animal attacks under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from the 2026 kharif season, though locals continue to demand immediate preventive and safety measures.