Sullia: The return of the herd of elephants that was recently chased away, has created an atmosphere of fear in the residents of the town and surrounding areas. The herd was spotted near Bhasmadka within the city limits on April 12.

The elephants, which entered the farms on the previous night , have destroyed banana plantations and other standing crops.

The Forest Department officials tried to chase the elephants away from human settlements by lighting fires, bursting firecrackers and beating drums.

It may be recalled that the local residents had spotted the herd roaming on the banks on Payaswini river on April 6. A severely dehydrated elephant calf was left stranded as it was unable to move with the herd.

The forest officials, who rescued and treated the calf, waited for two days for the herd to return. As there was no visible improvement in the calf’s condition it was decided to shift the calf to Sakkarebailu, as per the local doctor’s advise for advanced treatment at the camp.

The reappearance of the elephant herd near human habitation has renewed the fears of escalating man-animal conflict in the area.