Panaji: Fresh damage to horticultural farms in Pernem has been reported after Omkar, the sub-adult elephant that has repeatedly strayed into Goa from neighbouring Maharashtra since last year, entered the state again over the weekend.The elephant raided farms, fed on crops and felled young dwarf trees before moving towards Tamboxem, where Forest Department teams are monitoring its movements.Omkar crossed into Goa on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday and was sighted at Torxem that night. Farmers said the animal had moved to the hills of Mopa by Sunday afternoon.Farmers in the Mopa belt reported damage to horticultural plantations, while residents of Torxem and Tamboxem fear further losses if the elephant continues moving through cultivated areas.Tamboxem panch member Dayanand Gawandi said farmers affected during Omkar’s previous visits were still awaiting compensation.“The damage caused by the Omkar elephant to horticultural farms in Mopa village has not been compensated by the government, even for the losses suffered during his previous visits,” Gawandi told TOI.He contrasted the pending compensation with the government’s expenditure on the upcoming inauguration of the Patradevi Martyrs’ Memorial.“Now, once again, govt is spending crores of rupees on the inauguration of the Patradevi Martyrs’ Memorial. But please think about this Omkar elephant and the farmers. The farmers will be happy,” he said.
