Farmers and tribal communities from the foothills of Sevarayan Hills are complaining about huge crop loss due to attacks by gaurs and monkeys in the region. Farmers said Forest Department and the government take necessary steps to prevent such incidents.
There are 11 tribal villages near Sevarayan Hills and farmers here have primarily harvested crops like banana, sugar cane, corn and various other vegetables in approximately 500 acres of land.
A. Chandramohan, State secretary of All India Kisan Mahasabha said “agriculture is the primary means of livelihood of more than 700 farmers in the region. Over the years, due to drought, animals are attacking the farmlands for food and water. If necessary steps aren’t taken, it would lead to human-animal conflicts in the region.” He added that an animal shelter be set up near Manjavadi Canavai.
Forest officials said that they haven’t received any complaints in this regard and necessary compensatory measures will be taken. “Once complaints are received, inspections will be conducted,” said District Forest Officer A. Periasamy.