To be, or not to be without Chinna Thambi

For a while, villagers from Kanuvai to Anaikatti, bordering the forests, have resisted the urge to buy banana in bunches. They would rather buy them in small numbers and consume them on the same day. While fruits like jackfruit are a complete no-no, however sweet they maybe, other fruits if cut would have to be consumed before nightfall.
It is not about the shelf life of the fruits, but it is one of the ways the villagers have learned to co-exist with Chinna Thambi, the lone wild elephant that has made the forest fringe its home.

Fruits are the favourite snack of Chinna Thambi and leaving the fruits even inside the houses is a direct invitation to the jumbo to pay a visit at their doorstep. “We had to change our lifestyle and habits keeping Chinna Thambi and other elephants in mind,” says T Rangarajan, a resident of Mankarai, on the foothills of Anaikatti.

“Banana, jackfruit and papaya are the most alluring for him. Even one fruit, one evening inside one house was enough to bring him to our houses,” says S Jeyakodi, a milk supplier in Kalayanur. “We advise the newcomers into the village too to not buy fruits, especially those three,” she adds.

For cattle owners, covering and hiding fodder and grains, especially rice, tamarind and corn, is also compulsory.

“Thatched houses where rice is kept in sacks and not sealed containers is an instant attraction to grain loving Chinna Thambi,” says Anaikatti-based teacher and social activist, Joshua. “So, people especially those living in thatched houses, have learnt to cover the rice and tamarind with other material, so the smell of rice is brought down,” he adds.

Many houses in the area have a compound wall, a wall or at least a window damaged by him. “Once he tried reaching some fruits with his trunk through the window damaging walls and windows,” says Jeyakodi. “We have all erected electric fences outside our houses,” she adds.

The most critical rule of living with Chinna Thambi is being alert for his presence and arrival. “He makes strange noises while approaching,” says Padmavathy A, a resident of 24 Veerapandi. “The dogs also start barking ferociously,” says R Ponnusamy, another resident of Kalayanur. “We immediately go inside, shut all doors and windows and not make a noise. Though we don’t use crackers, we all have crackers at home to scare him away,” he adds. Most concrete houses also keep their lights switched on, despite it being known to aggravate him hoping it will also scare him.

Keeping forest department’s number on everyone’s speed dial is also critical. “The important thing is not to panic. We should just call the forest department and shoo the elephant away verbally. Chinna Thambi used to leave with just verbal cues,” says Ponnusamy. “It is important to not make eye contact with him or be seen directly in front of him,” he adds.

With Chinna Thambi’s visits in parts of Kalayanur, Somaiyampalayam and Mankarai common, those villages literally turn ghost towns post 8pm. “We shut shop and leave by 7.30pm or 8pm latest. Not being seen by the elephant, not attracting it and living in a fully concrete house with a compound is critical to being safe with him,” says a shopkeeper, E Pechiammal.

Despite all these restrictions, villagers still talk about Chinna Thambi fondly. But then the villagers say they can’t live like this forever and say the pachyderm must be relocated. “We will miss his majestic presence, but he has to leave. Agriculture and cultivation for many farmers has come to a standstill and our children’s safety is at stake,” says P Rangaraj, a resident of Thaneerpandhal. “It is almost like sending your child to hostel. Sad but necessary,” he adds.