Villagers spend sleepless nights due to elephant menace

According to the Forest Department, a wild jumbo strayed into Thottamoola and raided plantain crops and damaged coconut trees. It further damaged an iron gate of a resident identified as Sunil in the same neighbourhood.

The elephant stayed put in the locality for the entire night forcing villagers to stay indoors to avoid any conflicting situation. Then, in the early hours on Thursday, the elephant retreated into the forest.

On receiving information, the Gudalur Forest Department staff rushed to the spot and examined damage caused by the jumbo. Villagers claimed that elephants were frequently camping in areas such as Health Camp, Melgudalur, Kotharvayal, Thottamoola and Thorapalli areas.

One among the elephants had been frequenting Thottamoola during night hours. It is said that the animal had also damaged a house and a shop in the neighbourhood a month ago.

Villagers faulted the Forest Department for failing to take any concrete measures to prevent the elephant from intruding into their neighbourhood. They threatened to resort to protest, if the Forest Department fails to find a permanent solution to the elephant menace.  

Similarly, following complaints of elephant menace in Aliyar area, the Forest Department has formed a 12-member team to patrol along the forest borders to prevent straying out of elephants.

“Elephant movement has been reported in Aliyar, Navamalai and Sethumadai areas. Announcements have been made asking public not to step out of their houses after evening. Also tourists should avoid taking selfies by standing along roadside to prevent conflicts,” said a Forest Department staff.