26 elephants are being cared for in the Elephant Camp at Top Slip, Kozhikamuthi under Ulaandy Forest Range. Minister Mathiventhan inspected the elephant camp and also assured farmers that immediate relief is being provided for agricultural crops damaged by elephants.
Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Mathiventhan inspected the Top Slip Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp.
As many as 26 elephants are being cared for by the Forest Department at the Elephant Camp there under the Ulaandy forest range of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore district.
Minister Mathiventhan inspected the elephant camp on Thursday and the places where food is prepared for the elephants.
He assured that the welfare of the elephant caretakers would be looked into and their grievances heard and addressed.
Minister Mathiventhan praised the Kumki elephant mahouts who helped in catching and rescuing wild elephants threatening humans at various places in Tamil Nadu.
Minister Mathivendhan later briefed the reporters saying, "Farmers should avoid cultivating elephant-friendly crops like sugarcane and banana on agricultural lands adjacent to the forest areas. It is not possible to completely prevent wildlife from entering agricultural lands adjoining the forest areas. The Chief Minister has now allocated Rs. 10 crore annually in case of damage to crops and agricultural lands, which was unprecedented in the past.
Immediate relief is being provided in case of crop damage. The Government is dealing with issues so that elephants are not harmed. There is a shortage of forest veterinarians. However, the existing doctors have been used to provide proper treatment to the elephants for their problems including treating infectious diseases. Elephants are thus being saved and immediate relief is being provided. The appointment of forest veterinary doctors will be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and action will be taken," he reassured.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve Field Director and Coimbatore Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Ramasubramaniyam, Deputy Director Parthav Teja, Assistant Conservator of Forests Selvam and Ulaandy Forest Ranger Sundaravel were present during the inspection.
As many as 26 elephants are being cared for by the Forest Department at the Elephant Camp there under the Ulaandy forest range of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore district.
Minister Mathiventhan inspected the elephant camp on Thursday and the places where food is prepared for the elephants.
He assured that the welfare of the elephant caretakers would be looked into and their grievances heard and addressed.
Minister Mathiventhan praised the Kumki elephant mahouts who helped in catching and rescuing wild elephants threatening humans at various places in Tamil Nadu.
Minister Mathivendhan later briefed the reporters saying, "Farmers should avoid cultivating elephant-friendly crops like sugarcane and banana on agricultural lands adjacent to the forest areas. It is not possible to completely prevent wildlife from entering agricultural lands adjoining the forest areas. The Chief Minister has now allocated Rs. 10 crore annually in case of damage to crops and agricultural lands, which was unprecedented in the past.
Immediate relief is being provided in case of crop damage. The Government is dealing with issues so that elephants are not harmed. There is a shortage of forest veterinarians. However, the existing doctors have been used to provide proper treatment to the elephants for their problems including treating infectious diseases. Elephants are thus being saved and immediate relief is being provided. The appointment of forest veterinary doctors will be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and action will be taken," he reassured.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve Field Director and Coimbatore Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Ramasubramaniyam, Deputy Director Parthav Teja, Assistant Conservator of Forests Selvam and Ulaandy Forest Ranger Sundaravel were present during the inspection.