Four hungry jumbos go on a rampage in Erode district
ERODE: Four male elephants including two young ones went on a rampage
in agricultural lands at Modarpalayam in Erode district on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses say they had entered the land of farmer Mani. "It is not
common for elephants to enter human habitats in this region. This is the
first time it has happened this year," said Sekaran, an eyewitness.
They destroyed crops including tapioca, sugarcane and banana
plantations, resulting in heavy damage to farmers.
When notified, foresters from Bhavanisagar forest range rushed to the spot and chased the pachyderms toward Bhavanisagar through Kavedipalayam. Residents said that jumbos invaded human habitats even though trenches have been dug along the forest to prevent entry. They gain entry through gaps between trenches. It is the duty of forest authorities to take necessary action to resolve this issue, they added. A similar incident happened a year ago when a group of wild elephants entered farmlands and caused heavy damage to crops.
Forest department sources said they are in the process of setting up alarm systems along boundaries, which will immensely reduce the man-animal conflict. "Presently, we are doing trial runs for alarm systems. Once we are satisfied with the results they will be installed at specific locations," said an official. When questioned about the rampage at Modarpalayam, the official said the elephants might have strayed from the forest to seek food and water.
Fortunately, no humans were hurt during the rampage. Elephants often enter human habitats in Erode district as the region shares its border with thick forests.
When notified, foresters from Bhavanisagar forest range rushed to the spot and chased the pachyderms toward Bhavanisagar through Kavedipalayam. Residents said that jumbos invaded human habitats even though trenches have been dug along the forest to prevent entry. They gain entry through gaps between trenches. It is the duty of forest authorities to take necessary action to resolve this issue, they added. A similar incident happened a year ago when a group of wild elephants entered farmlands and caused heavy damage to crops.
Forest department sources said they are in the process of setting up alarm systems along boundaries, which will immensely reduce the man-animal conflict. "Presently, we are doing trial runs for alarm systems. Once we are satisfied with the results they will be installed at specific locations," said an official. When questioned about the rampage at Modarpalayam, the official said the elephants might have strayed from the forest to seek food and water.
Fortunately, no humans were hurt during the rampage. Elephants often enter human habitats in Erode district as the region shares its border with thick forests.
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