In Athirappilly forest area of Thrissur, a team of forest officials stays on high alert to prevent wild elephant clashes with local communities. Led by Venkateshwaran,a young Divisional Forest Officer,the team works tirelessly, especially after a recent incident claimed life of a dairy farmer.
On a rainy June morning,the team jumped into action after reports of a herd near Kumbidammudi,a settlement next to the forest . Two drone pilots quickly deployed aircraft to locate elephants,while animal trackers navigated tough terrain, hindered by mud and overgrown plants. Forest,darkened by monsoon clouds,echoed with crickets, heightening tension as team moved cautiously.
Armed with pump-action guns and locally made bazookas for firing firecrackers, officials prepared for the challenge. Tools meant to deter elephants without serious harm. “We prefer to drive them out during day when visibility's better,” said Jobin Joseph,a Range Forest Officer. “But often act at night,which is riskier.”
Urgency hit after Mohanan,a 63-year-old farmer,was trampled by a lone tusker trying to scare it away. Following this, forest department stepped up operations,launching systematic efforts to push elephants back into wild.
Since June 2,specially trained teams, including locals familiar with terrain, have patrolled area. K.K. Sunilkumar,Deputy Conservator of Forests,explained operation involves continuous elephant monitoring. “We analyze data every morning to plan actions,” he noted, revealing a 100-member team involved.
As night fell,officials began guiding elephants away from human areas. Formed a line to create path, pushing them back about 12 kilometers. But elephants can be unpredictable; one tusker suddenly changed direction,complicating operation. Tension rose as team prepared for confrontation .
Encounters can be perilous. Venkateshwaran recounted a close call when herd charged. “I froze for moment, just 10 meters away,” he recalled. Quick thinking, firecrackers drove elephants off .
Forest officials know the elephants well,even naming them based on traits. T.A. Preethikumar,part of tracking team,described several elephants, including Ottakaathan, known for a hole in ear,and Pottan Aana, a deaf elephant hard to scare.
As team continues efforts, they face challenge of changing land use patterns fueling human-wildlife conflicts. Expansion of pineapple,palm oil farming,and year-round water in Chalakudy River draw elephants into human areas. I.S. Suresh Babu,Divisional Forest Officer, noted disruptions to traditional corridors due to solar fencing force elephants to find new food and water routes.
With about 15 elephants in area,work of forest officials remains critical. Their vigilance and dedication aim to safeguard both local communities and majestic creatures roaming Athirappilly forests…
