Herd of elephants goes on rampage in Valparai, school damaged

Coimbatore

Around seven elephants along with a calf had strayed out of the forest and went on a damaging spree, while targeting the panchayat primary school and a few cars parked at Upper Paralai estate.

“The elephants entered into the school after damaging the compound wall and broke open the windows and doors of the noon meal centre. They then devoured large quantities of rice, sugar and dhal stored in sacks,” said a forest department official.

A team of forest department staff who arrived by then didn’t disturb the animals by firing noisy crackers fearing that they may turn violent and venture into residential neighbourhoods, which in-turn may result in a possible conflict.

“We persuaded them back into the forest gently by using a fire torch. These elephants were habituated to visiting nearby residential areas in search of food and water. A team has been deputed to keep a watch on this problematic herd as a precautionary measure,” said an official from Valparai Forest Range.

The forest department has assured to compensate the owners of damaged cars and a van parked in front of the school.

In a similar incident in Coimbatore, a wild tusker ventured into Jeeva Street, a residential locality in Boluvampatti on Tuesday early morning. The elephant, however, retreated into the forest after a pack of dogs continuously barked at it.