Forest department officials of Nilgiris District Soundarajan, Babu, Vikram and Manikandan today conducted an awareness programme for residents who are living inside the Coonoor forest range in Nilgiris District. An initiative of this nature is being hosted with the aim of bringing down the number of man-animal conflicts that is on a rise in this region.
The awareness programme was created by playing drums thus, seeking the attention of the villagers. The officials stated that the wild animals like bears, wild gaurs, leopards and elephants should not be driven into the forests using harmful methods. The officials educated the natives not to physically hurt the animals by hurling stones at them or using sticks to beat them. Instead, the public should seek the assistance of the forest department to chase the animals back into their territory.
Reacting to this, the public have stated that 'Animals entering into human habitats has been a regular phenomenon these days in Coonoor. The damages caused to properties and agricultural lands are on a increase. The officials of the forest department should find ways to put an end to this issue rather than chasing them temporarily into the forest. Last week, a bison gored to death a tea estate worker in Coonoor. As, bisons enter residential areas very frequently, a constant fear and uncertainty prevails among the people of this area.
With the onset of summer, the fodder and water sources required to keep these huge animals going will decrease, which will lead to increased man-animal conflicts. Hence, the officials should also plan ways to protect the livelihood of the public too. More water tanks should be built at areas adjoining the forest boundaries to help these animals quench their thirst, so that entering into human habitats could be vastly minimized'.
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Proving to his point, this morning, a herd of 32 bisons were spotted at a graveyard near Wellington Coonoor. Residents of this area are struck in constant fear and expect a permanent solution for the animal trespassing issue.