Forest Minister Mathiventhan visited and consoled a tea garden worker from the northern state who is seeking medical treatment after being attacked by a leopard in Valparai, Coimbatore district. He also donated Rs 10,000 on behalf of the government.
Coimbatore: Minister Mathiventhan met a worker from the northern state who is undergoing treatment for a leopard attack and consoled him.
Two days ago, a leopard attacked Anil Oraon, a north Indian labourer working in a tea estate in Sirukundra, a private estate in Valparai taluk of Coimbatore district. Following this, he was given first aid at the Valparai Government Hospital and is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Coimbatore for further treatment.
Forest Minister Mathiventhan, who is undergoing medical treatment, visited him at the Government Hospital in Coimbatore and consoled him. He also met the family of Anil Oraon, who donated Rs 10,000 as relief. Coimbatore District Collector Kranthikumar Pati, District Forest Officer Jeyaraj, Government Medical College Hospital Principal Nirmala and others were present on the occasion.
Speaking to reporters, Forest Minister Mathiventhan said:
When the leopard attacked worker Anil Oran, his leg fractured. He is still undergoing treatment. Earlier, a sum of Rs.4,000 was granted as per the Chief Minister's directions, but now an additional Rs.10,000 has been released as assistance. Work is underway to capture the leopard. For this, we have formed a 12-member special team headed by anti-poaching guards and forest officials.
Steps are being taken by the forest department to ensure that wild animals from the forest areas do not enter the village. In spite of that, if wild animals enter the village and do anything about livestock or pets, relief will be given. Electric fences and artificial intelligence devices are being used to keep wild elephants out of town with the goal to avoid harming them.
If private resorts encroach on forest land in contravention of forest department regulations, appropriate action will be taken. We have kept drinking water and food sources within the forest to ensure that wild animals do not abandon the area in the lead-up to summer.
The Chief Minister has set aside Rs 10 crore each year to provide prompt relief in the event of wildlife damage to humans or human habitations. Elephants seem to be dying in greater numbers. Some elephants may die as a result of shock if they fall due to old age or in a ditch.
At the same time, we are doing everything possible to save the elephants. We are finding out where the elephant's corridors are located.