The forest officials have asked the public from stepping out of houses in Navamalai due to elephant activity; intense monitoring to avoid any untoward situation
Pollachi: An lone elephant has been found strolling in the Navamalai area in Pollachi, and has led to implementing a curfew in the area after 5 since the animal is in musth.
The forest officials in Pollachi have banned the public to venture out of their homes in and out of the Navamalai region in Pollachi after 5 pm after noticing a lone wild elephant. The elephant has been roaming in Aliyar Kaviyaruvi and Navamalai areas under Anamalai Tiger Reserve for more than two months.
The forest officials have camped in the Navamalai area, as the elephant has been stepping out of forest. A team led by Forest Ranger Pugalendhi are monitoring the area.
More than 60 families live in tribal and power board settlements in Navamalai area, and hence monitoring has been intensified. An ambulance driver Saravanan and two EB employees were attacked while they were travelling in a car when a lone elephant knocked it down, injuring three people. The forest officials rushed to the spot upon information and drove the elephant into the forest.
A curfew has been imposed for the locals in the area, stating none shall step out of their houses after 5pm unless for emergencies such as essential, medical needs and vehicular movement has also been banned in Navamalai for the safety of the natives.
Outsiders are not allowed to enter or venture out of Navamalai residential area. The forest officers have issued warnings to the public to safeguard themselves as the lone tusker continues to pose a threat.