Coimbatore: Despite stern warnings from the Coimbatore Forest Division Officials, elephant taunting continues to haunt the pachyderms in the Anaikatti hills. Disturbing wildlife has become a brutal sport for tourists and locals in the hills which is regarded to be one of the most important crossing points for the animals, especially elephants.
Coimbatore: Despite stern warnings from the Coimbatore Forest Division Officials, elephant taunting continues to haunt the pachyderms in the Anaikatti hills. Disturbing wildlife has become a brutal sport for tourists and locals in the hills which is regarded to be one of the most important crossing points for the animals, especially elephants.
On Wednesday.6pm, a herd of more than three elephants were trying to cross the Anaikatti Main Road to drink water from a private brick kiln chamber Though the elephants seemed to cautiously wait on the roadside for the vehicles to move across, they could not cross, as people stopped the vehicles right in front of them and troubled the herd.
Onlookers who requested those objecting to give way for the elephants claimed that some of them even stepped down from their vehicles to take selfies with the herd of elephants.
“The entire scene was very chaotic. Some people were so arrogant, as they followed the elephant herd deep inside the bushes and continued to click selfies. Despite being often chased by the animals and warned by us, they refused to leave them at peace,” said a local from the area.
While some people were trying to clear the crowd and allow the animals to cross in peace, people who were taunting the elephants involved in arguments with them. “It is disheartening to see all kinds of people indulge in the act. Some of them were drunk and did not know what they were doing. Some people in cars abruptly stopped the vehicles right before the elephants and put others in harm’s way,” said another person who was trying to clear the crowd.
Seeing the commotion, some men had alerted the forest officials who arrived at the spot. However, the elephants were not allowed to cross the road and returned to the jungle without quenching their thirst.
“Such irresponsible behaviour of a group of people will affect the behaviour of the animal in a large way, which could turn dangerous for others. As the animals are disturbed by humans to an incorrigible level in this area, the animals will start exhibiting hostile behaviour to people,” pondered an activist who witnessed the scene.
Claiming that since the forests were dry and that water was becoming a scarce commodity this summer, he opined that it was imperative to allow elephants to drink water from available water troughs.
Meanwhile, activists have requested officials to take immediate actions on those who provoke wild animals.
Reacting to this, District Forest Officer D. Venkatesh assured that actions would be taken against the miscreants.
He however requested people to complain immediately when they come across incidents of animal abuse. “It would help us take immediate action and prevent such acts in the future,” he told the Simplicity.
Foresters have requested public to make use of the toll free number - 180042545456, in case of elephant emergencies.