As the annual elephant migration to Valparai plateau begins, the Forest Department educates estate workers and public on safety measures and dos and don'ts to avoid negative interactions with elephants.
Coimbatore: The Forest Department has initiated a awareness campaign for estate workers and the public in the Valparai plateau as the annual migratory movement of elephants to the region commences. The campaign aims to educate residents on safety measures and guidelines to prevent negative interactions with the pachyderms.
Staff from the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) conducted awareness activities in the Valparai and Manambolly forest ranges. Currently, a herd nicknamed 'Monica' is foraging in the Valparai forest range, while another herd of 12 elephants, known as 'Padma', is roaming in the Manambolly forest range. Two additional herds have also arrived at the plateau, primarily staying within the forests.
Bhargava Teja, Deputy Director of the Pollachi Division of ATR, stated, "The estate workers have been sensitized by the staff in advance. Additionally, the smart virtual fencing system, comprising 1,300 infrared-based devices installed at strategically important locations, generates alerts by sensing the presence of elephants."
The elephant migration from Kerala to the mosaic landscape of estates and fragmented forest patches in the Valparai plateau typically occurs from August to March. K. Giritharan, forest range officer of Manambolly, explained, "Tea estate workers have been advised to avoid roaming outside between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to prevent encounters with elephants. In emergencies, they should use four-wheelers for travel. Estate managements have been instructed to inspect their areas before sending workers and to alert the Department if elephants are spotted."
The Forest Department has also emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal to residents and estate workers. This measure aims to prevent elephants from being attracted to food waste and visiting residential areas.
In addition to the smart virtual fencing system, the Nature Conservation Foundation's (NCF) early warning system alerts the public about elephant presence through SMS alerts, scrolls on local cable TV networks, and warning lights.
These comprehensive measures underscore the Forest Department's commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife during the annual elephant migration season in the Valparai plateau.
Staff from the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) conducted awareness activities in the Valparai and Manambolly forest ranges. Currently, a herd nicknamed 'Monica' is foraging in the Valparai forest range, while another herd of 12 elephants, known as 'Padma', is roaming in the Manambolly forest range. Two additional herds have also arrived at the plateau, primarily staying within the forests.
Bhargava Teja, Deputy Director of the Pollachi Division of ATR, stated, "The estate workers have been sensitized by the staff in advance. Additionally, the smart virtual fencing system, comprising 1,300 infrared-based devices installed at strategically important locations, generates alerts by sensing the presence of elephants."
The elephant migration from Kerala to the mosaic landscape of estates and fragmented forest patches in the Valparai plateau typically occurs from August to March. K. Giritharan, forest range officer of Manambolly, explained, "Tea estate workers have been advised to avoid roaming outside between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to prevent encounters with elephants. In emergencies, they should use four-wheelers for travel. Estate managements have been instructed to inspect their areas before sending workers and to alert the Department if elephants are spotted."
The Forest Department has also emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal to residents and estate workers. This measure aims to prevent elephants from being attracted to food waste and visiting residential areas.
In addition to the smart virtual fencing system, the Nature Conservation Foundation's (NCF) early warning system alerts the public about elephant presence through SMS alerts, scrolls on local cable TV networks, and warning lights.
These comprehensive measures underscore the Forest Department's commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife during the annual elephant migration season in the Valparai plateau.