Padayappa elephant roams near Munnar; Forest Department on alert

Forest Department has also taken special steps to prevent the elephant from entering residential areas. Forest officials say that Padayappa’s behavior is still erratic, making it necessary to control it.

Thiruvananthapuram: The entry of wild elephant 'Padayappa' into the Lockadu Tea Estate near the Mannar area of ​​Kerala's Idukki district has spread panic among locals. The elephant has been roaming the surrounding area for the past three months and previously injured several people in Valpadai, Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, Padayappa also trampled a tea plantation worker in Tamil Nadu. Now, the elephant has been spotted in the Lockadu Estate near Mannar, Kerala, raising concerns about the safety of life and property among local farmers and residents.

Locals reported that Padayappa is frequently seen near plantations and residential areas, causing them fear. There is also a fear that the elephant's movements could cause damage to nearby farmlands. Upon receiving information from the District Forest Department, officials arrived at the scene and are closely monitoring the elephant's movements. The Forest Department has advised people to stay indoors and remain vigilant at night to avoid any untoward incident.

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Meanwhile, the Forest Department has also taken special steps to prevent the elephant from entering residential areas. Forest officials say that Padayappa's behavior is still erratic, making it necessary to control it. Locals are eager to see this wild elephant, but are also frightened by its presence.

Two months ago, Padayappa and another elephant, Radhakrishnan, trampled a laborer to death in the Maruthamalai forest area of ​​Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan was captured by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department with the help of four trained "kumki elephants." Kumki elephants are specially trained elephants used by the Forest Department to control wild elephants. Radhakrishnan is now housed at the Theppakadu Elephant Rehabilitation Center in the Nilgiris and is calm there.

The Kerala Forest Department is consulting with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department on how to capture and control Padayappa. This collaboration between the forest departments of both states is considered essential for managing wild elephants and reducing human-elephant conflict. The forest department team is currently monitoring Padayappa's movements and plans to rehabilitate him in a safe area soon.

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The local administration and forest department have urged people to avoid approaching the elephant and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the forest department. This will not only ensure the safety of people but also allow the elephant to live safely and peacefully.

This incident has once again highlighted concerns about the growing conflict between wildlife and humans. With the promptness of the forest department and cooperation between the two states, it is hoped that this wild elephant will be safely controlled and the safety of local people will be maintained.