Two kumkis brought from Nilgiris to mitigate conflicts in Coimbatore

The elephants, Vijay (47) and Bomman (17) are likely to be pressed into action in the conflict-prone Thadagam and Anaikatty area, in Coimbatore outskirts. Though there are already two elephants Cheran and John in the Sadivayal elephant camp, in Coimbatore, but they could not be used in operations.

Forest department staff said that Cheran has developed a cataract in its eyes and is undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, Vijay and Bomman, were said to be experts in taming wild elephants as they were involved in many such operations.

While Bomman was deployed in conflict mitigation operations in The Nilgiris, Vijay was pressed into action in capturing the ‘Madukarai Maharaj’ in Coimbatore a year ago.

Forest department staff said that Kumki’s were moved over from The Nilgiris following a spate in man-animal conflicts resulting in many deaths of human beings.

In a fortnight two persons including a Rapid Response Team (RRT) staff of the forest department involved in anti depredation activity and a milk vendor was trampled to death by the straying wild elephants.

Wild elephant intrusions were spelt more in areas such as Thadagam, Veerapandipirivu and Varapalayam areas. Villagers have been pressing the forest department to take measures to prevent wild elephants from coming out of the forests.

The kumkis will be stationed in the high conflict areas to be involved in wild elephant driving operations. However, there will be efforts to capture any wild elephant, said an official.