Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident, 73 buffaloes drowned while crossing a river near Ekamania village in the Aul block of Kendrapara district on Sunday morning. The buffaloes, belonging to three local farmers, were grazing along the banks of the Galia river — a tributary of the Brahmani — when the mishap occurred.
According to reports, a herd of 88 buffaloes had been released early in the morning for grazing. While moving along the riverbank, the animals entered the water and were swept away by the strong current. Due to the river’s depth and unpredictable flow, 73 of them drowned. Fifteen buffaloes were saved.
The three affected farmers — Ganesh Das, Jagannath Das, and Pagala Bishwal — have suffered severe losses. Ganesh Das lost 40 buffaloes, Jagannath Das 17, and Pagala Bishwal 16. The carcasses were later recovered. Jagannath Das and Pagala Bishwal managed to save 3 and 12 buffaloes respectively.
“This is an unprecedented incident in the region,” a local stated. “We have not witnessed such a mass drowning of livestock before.”
The farmers, who depended heavily on these buffaloes for their livelihood, are now facing immense financial hardship. Each buffalo reportedly produced an average of 10 liters of milk per day, with Ganesh Das’s herd alone contributing over 15 liters daily.
“Our livelihood is gone,” the grieving farmers told. “These buffaloes were our only source of income. We do not know how we will survive or feed our families.”
The farmers have appealed to the government for immediate financial assistance and rehabilitation support.
