Over 40 Wild Elephants Enter Assam Villages, Damage Crops and Disrupt NH-17 Traffic

# Over 40 Wild Elephants Enter Assam Villages, Damage Crops and Disrupt NH-17 Traffic **Boko, Assam | November 3, 2026** More than 40 wild elephants have been moving through villages in Assam's Boko area, damaging agricultural fields and disrupting traffic along National Highway 17. According to a report by NDTV, the herd has been spotted in Rajapara, Muhipara, Chenchapani, Kukurmara and Dekapara villages. Farmers have reported damage to paddy fields and banana plantations as the elephants move through agricultural areas in search of food. The incident has caused concern among local residents, particularly as farmers prepare for the harvest season. The movement of the herd also disrupted traffic on NH-17 for several hours on Sunday afternoon. Vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway while the elephants crossed the road. The affected villages fall under the Bandapara Forest Range. Range Forest Officer Kulumonali Gogoi said forest personnel were continuously working to guide the herd back towards the forest. The incident once again highlights the challenges of human-elephant conflict in Assam, where wildlife movement can affect farming communities, road users and local livelihoods. **Source:** NDTV, November 3, 2026.