Wild elephant damages estate shops

Plantation workers block road on Idukki estate seeking protection from elephant raids

A wild elephant damaged a ration shop, a grocery shop, and a few vehicles at Kannamaly estate in Chinnakanal village early on Friday.

The roof of the ration shop and its windowpanes were destroyed. The elephant arrived early in the morning and stayed there for long, posing threat to workers passing by.

The agitated workers later blocked the road and demanded protection from wildlife intrusion.

Reasons for intrusion


Wild elephants have attacked the area on many occasions recently, damaging crops and houses. The destruction of their natural habitat and the disruption of elephant corridor are said to be the reasons for the increased incidents of elephant intrusion into human habitations.

In 2001, the ‘301 colony’ was formed in the Chinnakanal village, by issuing land to the landless. The land was allotted despite the Forest Department’s objection.

More than 10 people have died in attacks by wild elephants here. Many residents abandoned their houses and only 20 families now remain in the colony.

The department has submitted a report seeking relocation of the remaining people at the colony. Two kumki elephants were deployed at Anayirangal dam, near Chinnakanal, to chase away wild elephants into the forest.

However, the effort was not successful. The kumki elephants returned after a few days.

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