Forest dept takes measures to mitigate man-animal conflict

Coimbatore: The forest department has identified 12 vulnerable areas to mitigate man-animal conflict in Coimbatore forest division.
Wild elephants often stray into human settlements at Narasipuram, Mullankadu, Thombalipalayam, Tholampalayam, Varapalayam, Marudhamalai, Kopanari, Naickenpalayam, Velliankadu, Odandurai, Samayapuram and Ammanpudur, district forest officer T K Ashok Kumar said.
“We have created seven WhatsApp groups for Coimbatore, Madukkarai, Boluvampatti, Periyanaickenpalayam, Karamadai, Mettupalayam and Sirumugai forest ranges with our frontline staff, revenue department and police officials and farmers at forest fringe villages as members. When wild elephants are spotted, the information is shared on the group and our frontline staff would reach the spot to drive the animals to the reserve forest,” he said.
While 19 people were killed by wild animals in the Coimbatore forest division in 2020, seven people were killed last year and three till Thursday, the official said. “Whenever elephant are spotted, our frontline staff use megaphones to alert villagers. Such measures have helped to reduce human–elephant conflict.”
“Wild elephant herds or lone tuskers stray into human habitation five to seven times a day. Between December and January, they come out of forests more frequently. Our teams are working swiftly and carefully to prevent conflicts,” Kumar added.