Visits of saved jumbo now an inconvenience to villagers

Once ailing and unable to even stand on its feet due to swollen legs, Ganesan had received sympathy from local villagers. But, after being treated for its ailment by the forest department, the animal recovered and became normal. 

Although, the elephant’s recovery may have brought a cheer to all, residents say the ‘mild-mannered’ animal has become a frequent intruder. 

“It is evident that Ganesan has developed some fondness for humans and keeps visiting the settlement areas in search of food and water. The jumbo during its poor health was tendered with care and affection by villagers and our department,” said a forest department staff. 

Treated with palm, plantains and other green fodder stuffed with medicine and antibiotics for over a fortnight, Ganesan gradually became alright, he added. As the elephant recovered, the forest department stopped treating it with fodder-laced medicines over the past few days. Since then, Ganesan has been making casual visits to residential neighbourhood apparently in search of food.  

Villagers in Periasolai and Ellamalai claimed that the elephant stands desperately in front of houses expecting food. 

Unlike other wild elephants, Ganesan never gets agitated at the sight of human beings and behaves in a gentle way. However, villagers do not want to take chances as they harbour an uneasy fear by its frequent appearances.  

Gudalur Forest Ranger G Ramakrishnan said that it has just been a week since the animal recovered. “Still it cannot walk for long hours in rough terrains of the jungle. As the animal is aged and suffers leg pain, it can’t be chased away by bursting crackers. Even if we do so, the jumbo will return to the region later,” he said. 

Hence the forest department has urged the residents not to tease or harm the jumbo and put up with it for some more days. “I am confident that the jumbo will retreat into Cherambadi, from where it came, in the next few days. Until then, a team of forest staff has been deployed to monitor the animal movement round the clock,” said Ramakrishnan.