Haridwar, Aug. 23 -- The Uttarakhand forest department has stepped up patrolling along vulnerable stretches in and around Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district following an increase in incidents of elephants entering the state from the adjoining Bijnor forest division in Uttar Pradesh and damaging agricultural crops. Forest personnel are keeping a close watch on the Malankham stretch, which is considered one of the routes through which elephants enter the Bhabhar area of Kotdwar from the Uttar Pradesh side. The increased movement of elephants during the monsoon season has caused concern among farmers and residents living close to forest areas and wildlife corridors. According to forest department officials, several incidents of elephants entering agricultural fields in the Bhabhar region have been reported over the past few days. The animals have damaged standing crops, causing losses to local farmers. Kotdwar shares a border with the Najibabad area of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, located around 22 km away. The proximity of the forested areas on both sides of the state border allows wild elephants to move towards human settlements and agricultural fields in Kotdwar. Ward councillor JP Bahukhandi said farmers in the Haldookhata area had approached him with complaints of extensive crop damage caused by elephants during the past week. "Farmers have been frequently reporting elephant sightings and incidents of crop damage in the Haldookhata area of Bhabhar. More than two to three bighas of agricultural crops have been damaged. This has become a regular concern for villagers, and farmers are suffering losses. We demand a long-term solution so that local residents and farmers can get relief from the repeated intrusion of wild animals," Bahukhandi said. The recurring elephant movement has added to the concerns of farmers, who have demanded compensation for crops damaged by wild animals and more effective measures to prevent elephants from entering agricultural fields and residential areas. Taking cognisance of the complaints, the forest department has intensified patrolling and directed field staff to monitor the movement of elephants along the border and vulnerable forest stretches. Personnel have also been asked to take immediate measures to drive the animals away whenever they enter agricultural fields or move towards residential settlements. Forest ranger Vipin Joshi said additional vigilance was being maintained in the affected areas to prevent further damage and minimise the risk of human-wildlife conflict. "We have increased patrolling in the area to ensure that elephants are driven away from agricultural fields and residential settlements. Forest personnel are keeping a close watch on their movement, particularly along vulnerable stretches from where the animals enter the Bhabhar area," Joshi said. On the issue of crop losses, Joshi said subordinate forest officials had been directed to visit the affected areas and assess the extent of damage caused to farmers' fields. "As far as the damage to agricultural crops is concerned, subordinate officials have been directed to assess the situation and the losses. Further departmental procedure will be initiated after the assessment," he said....