KANNIYAKUMARI: The sighting of elephants at Coupe 24, Block B of the Manalodai Division of the Arasu Rubber Corporation during the last week has struck fear into the rubber plantation workers, who have now called for measures to deal with the elephant intrusion issue that has been plaguing them for several years.
Over the last seven years, two female workers and a male worker were killed in elephant attacks across the four divisions of the rubber plantation, said M Valsakumar, general secretary, CITU Kanniyakumari District Estate Workers Union. Another plantation worker was injured by a wild elephant a few months ago in Kodayar division, he said, adding that the Manalodai division labourers are now frightened to visit the plantations for work. He further claimed that the wild elephant menace persists in the western areas, including Kodayar, and urged the corporation to take steps to ensure the safety of workers.
The Arasu Rubber Corporation -- a state government undertaking, operating under the Department of Environment & Forests -- sprawls across 3,573.025 hectares in Kanniyakumari district with divisions in Keeriparai, Manalodai, Chithar and Kodayar. While the office is located in Nagercoil, the rubber factory is situated in Keeriparai.
B Stephen, a rubber tapper from the Manalodai division, said many of the workers have been frightened after three wild elephants, including a calf, were spotted in the plantation recently. He urged the authorities concerned to drive away the wild animals.
When contacted, an official from the Arasu Rubber Corporation said teams are in place at the plantations to spot the presence of wild animals before workers enter the areas. Along with the forest department, we are making efforts to drive away elephants at Manalodai and Kodayar divisions, added the official.