Trouble-maker tusker gone, new herd on the prowl in Kovai

A herd of seven jumbos strayed into Theethipalayam and its surrounding areas on Sunday night. Tomato crops raised in large swathes of farmlands were destroyed. A few coconut trees have also fallen, said a Forest Department staffer.

“After causing massive damage to the crop, the elephant herd retreated into the forest cover. Villagers have claimed that the elephants were frequenting their farmland and residential areas over the last one week,” he added.

A few days ago, the same herd had reportedly raided crops in a farm owned by one Perumalsamy at Theethipalayam. They also damaged valuables kept in front of a house, while a security guard had a narrow escape after he came near the elephants, the staffer said.

Villagers have blamed the Forest Department for failing to provide adequate compensation to farmers, who face losses due to frequent crop raids.

Only a week ago, the Forest Department captured and relocated jumbo ‘Vinayagan’ to Mudumalai. The department staff are monitoring his movement through radio collar.

Vinayagan’s companion ‘Chinna Thambi’ is now leading another herd, which is involved in crop raids in Thudiyalur area.

The Forest Department, which is monitoring the pachyderm’s movements, has plans to soon capture and relocate ‘Chinna Thambi’.