In a significant operation to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, a team of forest personnel successfully guided a massive herd of wild elephants back across the state border. The operation, which concluded on Sunday, involved driving over 100 elephants from Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district into the forests of neighbouring Karnataka.
The Elephant Incursion and Public Concern
The herd, which originally migrated from Karnataka's Bannerghatta forest area last month, had settled into various locations within the Hosur forest division in Krishnagiri. Their journey saw them move through the Jawalagiri, Noganur, Denkanikottai, Udedurgam, and finally the Hosur Sanamavu forest areas.
This prolonged presence sparked alarm among local communities. Farmers and villagers reported substantial damage to agricultural crops, while the sheer size of the herd posed a consistent threat to public safety. The escalating tension led to strong demands from residents, urging forest authorities to intervene and chase the elephants back to their origin in Karnataka.
The Multi-Day Drive Operation
Heeding the calls, the forest department launched a coordinated drive involving at least 30 forest officials and anti-poaching guards. The operation commenced on Friday, with the team strategically moving the elephants from the Hosur Sanamavu area through several village tracts towards the Denkanikottai forest range.
"We guided the herd from Denkanikottai to the Jawalagiri forest area via Marakkatta and Noganur before escorting them back into Karnataka forests," explained a forest official involved in the mission. The careful herding ensured the safety of the animals, including vulnerable calves, throughout the process.
Community Relief and Coexistence Challenges
The successful conclusion of the operation on Sunday brought a wave of relief to the affected villages. Residents expressed satisfaction that the immediate threat had been averted and the elephants were returned to their habitual landscape.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-elephant coexistence in regions bordering wildlife habitats. Seasonal migrations often lead elephants into agricultural zones, resulting in conflict. While this drive-away operation provided a temporary solution, it underscores the need for long-term strategies like secure elephant corridors and improved early warning systems to protect both communities and wildlife.
