Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Wild elephants damage gardens near homes in Sullia taluk
A group of wild elephants came near homes in Mandekolu village on Monday night.
They entered gardens belonging to several families.
The elephants damaged crops in seven or eight gardens.
Residents think the animals crossed the Payaswini River from the nearby forest.
Afterward, the elephants crossed back over the river and returned to the forest.
People are worried because the elephants often travel near homes and roads.
Many residents are now afraid to go outside at night.
Farmers are also concerned about their crops and safety.
Villagers want the Forest Department to watch the elephants and protect people from future visits.
A herd of more than four wild elephants entered Devaragunda Bottukallu near Jalasuru-Mooruru on Monday night.
The elephants damaged gardens belonging to seven or eight homes across roughly one kilometre.
Residents believe the herd crossed the Payaswini River from the Mandekolu forest before entering the area.
The herd reportedly returned across the river and moved back into the forest after causing the damage.
Villagers urged the Forest Department to monitor elephant routes and prevent further incursions into residential areas.
- Who
- A herd of more than four wild elephants and residents of Mandekolu village.
- What
- The elephants entered home gardens and damaged crops belonging to seven or eight households.
- When
- Monday night.
- Where
- The Devaragunda Bottukallu zone near Jalasuru-Mooruru in Mandekolu village, Sullia taluk.
- Why
- The herd regularly travels between the Mandekolu forest and inhabited areas near the Payaswini River, according to residents.
- Location
- Devaragunda Bottukallu near Jalasuru-Mooruru, Mandekolu village, Sullia taluk
- Incident time
- Monday night
- Elephant herd
- More than four wild elephants
- Homes affected
- Gardens attached to seven or eight houses
- Damage area
- Approximately one kilometre
- Likely route
- Across the Payaswini River from Mandekolu forest
- Residents' request
- Elephant-route surveillance, safety measures and prevention of entry into residential areas