Elephant Omkar has once again made an unannounced return to Goa, and this time the village of Torxem is bearing the brunt. Local farmers have reported significant crop damage following Omkar’s recent appearance, adding to the rising anxiety around human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
Residents say the elephant trampled over fields in the area, destroying crops and leaving farmers distressed about potential future visits. Omkar has become somewhat of a known presence in Goa, previously appearing in other parts of the state and causing similar destruction.
Forest officials have confirmed that they are tracking Omkar’s movements in and around Torxem. Teams have been deployed to ensure there is no escalation in conflict between the elephant and local residents. Villagers, however, remain tense and are urging authorities to take proactive steps to redirect the elephant back to safer, forested areas.
This incident has reignited discussions around the need for long-term wildlife management policies in Goa. Conservationists say that as forests shrink and human settlements expand, such encounters will only become more frequent—unless intervention strategies are strengthened. From early warning systems to better habitat corridors, solutions have been proposed, but on-ground implementation remains a challenge.
For the residents of Torxem, the worry is immediate. Their livelihoods are directly impacted, and the threat of another visit looms large. For the state, this is yet another reminder of the delicate balance between development and wildlife conservation.
