Three wild elephants entered a ration shop at Cinchona Estate near Valparai in the early hours of August 24, breaking open the premises and damaging food stocks. Forest officials later drove the elephants away, while residents have urged increased monitoring in vulnerable estate areas to prevent further incidents.
Coimbatore: Three wild elephants entered a ration shop at Cinchona Estate near Valparai in Coimbatore district in the early hours of August 24, breaking open the shop and damaging food stocks meant for local residents.
According to residents, the elephants entered the area at around 2 a.m., forced open the shop’s iron-grilled entrance and ransacked the premises. They consumed rice, dal, sugar and other essential commodities stored inside before leaving the area.
On receiving information, Forest Department personnel from Manambolly reached the spot and drove the elephants away from the locality. Officials are keeping a watch on the area amid concerns that the animals could return.
Estate settlements around Valparai have been witnessing frequent movement of wild animals, particularly elephants, into human habitations. Such incursions have previously resulted in damage to ration shops, nutrition centres and residential properties, raising concerns over the safety of residents.
Following the latest incident, residents have urged the Forest Department to intensify surveillance and take preventive measures to keep wild elephants away from human habitations, particularly in vulnerable estate areas.
According to residents, the elephants entered the area at around 2 a.m., forced open the shop’s iron-grilled entrance and ransacked the premises. They consumed rice, dal, sugar and other essential commodities stored inside before leaving the area.
On receiving information, Forest Department personnel from Manambolly reached the spot and drove the elephants away from the locality. Officials are keeping a watch on the area amid concerns that the animals could return.
Estate settlements around Valparai have been witnessing frequent movement of wild animals, particularly elephants, into human habitations. Such incursions have previously resulted in damage to ration shops, nutrition centres and residential properties, raising concerns over the safety of residents.
Following the latest incident, residents have urged the Forest Department to intensify surveillance and take preventive measures to keep wild elephants away from human habitations, particularly in vulnerable estate areas.