Keonjhar: A herd of around 25 wild elephants has damaged paddy crops across several acres in Ukhunda section of Champua range under Keonjhar forest division, leaving farmers worried about heavy losses ahead of harvest.The herd reportedly emerged from Jhaliabeda forest on Thursday night and ventured into nearby farmlands, where it fed on and trampled standing paddy crops. Farmers said elephants continued their rampage till Friday night, destroying a substantial portion of the season’s harvest.The herd stayed inside a nearby forest during daytime on Saturday, but villagers fear it may return to the fields after dark and cause further damage. Earlier in the day, the jumbos were spotted bathing and frolicking in a pond in Banakati forest. Videos of the herd enjoying in the waterbody have since gone viral on social media.From the pond, the elephants moved back towards Jhaliabeda forest. The sighting drew large crowds, prompting concerns over a possible human-elephant conflict. Meanwhile, affected farmers have demanded compensation for crop losses.In another incident, a herd of nine elephants has been roaming forests near Keri, Sathiapada, Badapasi, Hariharpur, Beling and Basudevpur villages under Sadar range. Residents said the animals frequently enter paddy fields at night and damage crops. “The elephants have completely destroyed the annual paddy harvest of several farmers in Keri village,” said social activist Bhakta Batsal Mohanty.Divisional forest officer Dhanraj H D said compensation would be provided for crop and house damage caused by elephants. “The forest department is closely monitoring the herd’s movement and people in vulnerable villages have been alerted. Residents have been advised not to approach the elephants and to exercise caution while travelling through the affected areas,” he said.