By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Former Leader of the Opposition Ajay Singh has expressed grave concern over the destruction caused by marauding elephants and a recent hailstorm in Sidhi district, which has severely affected poor farmers’ crops and damaged several homes. He has urged the district administration and the State Government to conduct an immediate assessment of the losses and ensure prompt compensation to those impacted.
Singh called upon the District Collector to take personal interest in the matter, visit the affected villages and interact directly with residents to understand the scale of devastation. He stated that while natural calamities cannot be prevented, damage caused by wild animals could certainly be averted with timely action.
Criticising the Forest Department, he alleged that officials failed to discharge their duties when elephants were entering the district from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. He further noted that electricity supply is now being suspended due to the risk posed to power poles and lines, leaving hundreds of students preparing for examinations without adequate study facilities and fuelling public anger.
Singh also appealed to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to coordinate with forest authorities in Sidhi and adjoining areas of Chhattisgarh, ascertain the ground situation and take urgent measures to drive the elephants back to their original habitat before further damage occurs.
