Why are villagers in Bokaro sleeping on rooftops?

Villagers in Bokaro are sleeping on rooftops to escape marauding elephants that have been raiding their homes and destroying property.

How many people have been killed by elephants in Bokaro recently?

In the past week alone, at least five people have been killed by elephants in the Bokaro district.

What measures are being taken to address the elephant threat in Bokaro?

Measures include intensified patrols, drone surveillance, deployment of special teams and quick response teams, and plans for solar fencing and lighting.

Home / Environment / Elephants Terrorize Villages: Residents Sleep on Rooftops

Elephants Terrorize Villages: Residents Sleep on Rooftops

9 Feb

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Summary

Villagers in Bokaro now sleep on rooftops due to elephant raids.
At least five people were killed by elephants in the past week.
Special teams and drone surveillance are deployed to track elephants.

Elephants Terrorize Villages: Residents Sleep on Rooftops

Families in Bokaro district's Gomia block are experiencing extreme hardship, sleeping on rooftops to escape marauding elephants. Since the beginning of 2026, elephant herds have been raiding villages, resulting in fatalities, destroyed homes, and ruined crops. This situation has caused immense fear, particularly for women, children, and the elderly, who are enduring sleepless nights in the biting cold.

In the last week, at least five individuals lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries. This has led to significant panic in Gangpur, Badkipunnu, and surrounding areas. Villagers describe their nights as vigilant, listening for warning calls and abandoning their homes after sunset.

The forest department has escalated preventive measures, including continuous patrols and drone surveillance to monitor elephant movements. A special 19-member team from West Bengal has been deployed to aid local efforts. Six quick response teams are also active, gathering information and alerting residents.