KANNUR: Five members of the forest department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) suffered minor injuries after a wild elephant overturned their vehicle during a patrol in Aralam forest in Kannur on Friday morning.
The incident occurred around 5.30 am at Block 9 in Aralam as the team was returning after a night patrol. The elephant suddenly charged at the vehicle, overturning it. It retreated into the forest after the attack, allowing the officials to regroup and seek help. All five injured personnel received medical treatment.
A forest department official identified the animal as a makhna, a tuskless male elephant that has been under continuous surveillance because of its aggressive behaviour. “The elephant charged at the forest department vehicle suddenly while our team was returning from a night patrol.
After overturning the vehicle, it retreated into the forest. Surveillance in the area has been intensified to ensure the safety of both forest staff and the public,” the official said.
The same elephant was responsible for the death of a tribal resident of Block 10 in Aralam Farm earlier this year. Its unpredictable behaviour has remained a major concern for residents and the forest department.
Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has directed officials to expedite the construction of the elephant-proof wall and intensify the clearing of overgrown vegetation as part of measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Aralam. He issued the directives while chairing a district-level meeting of the human-wildlife conflict mitigation committee.
“Officials have been directed to clear overgrown vegetation and strengthen efforts to drive elephants away from human settlements. Elephants are now being spotted on roads even during the daytime, making the situation a matter of concern,” the minister said.
He added that based on studies by forest and agriculture departments, the government would also examine whether farming practices in the area could be modified to reduce the raiding of elephants.
Radio-collared makhna found dead
KOCHI: The wild elephant which was tranquillised and radio-collared by forest department was found dead in Karimbani forest area on Saturday. Meanwhile, animal rights activists alleged that three tranquilliser shots were fired on the elephant on Thursday and it could be the reason for death.