A significant migration of wild elephants from neighbouring Karnataka has created tension in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. A herd comprising more than 50 elephants has moved from the Bannerghatta forest area and is now roaming in groups within the Hosur forest division.
Forest Department's Drives and Strategy
Forest officials have sprung into action to manage the situation. On Sunday, they successfully drove away a group of over 40 elephants that had camped in the Sanamavu forest area near Hosur. At least 40 of these pachyderms have been guided towards the Kasba forest area within the Denkanikottai forest range, according to an official from the Hosur forest division.
The department has a clear plan to consolidate the scattered groups. "We are planning to bring the other wild elephants, which are in several groups, to the Kasaba forest area first. From there, we will drive them back into Karnataka," the official explained. More than 15 forest personnel have been deployed to monitor the movements of the animals closely.
Widespread Crop Damage in Villages
The elephant herds have left a trail of destruction across agricultural lands. Farmers in multiple villages have reported significant losses as the animals raided their fields. Crops including ragi, sorghum, tomatoes, beans, and coconuts were damaged in the villages of Sinikiripalli, Bothichipalli, Uddanapalli, Jakkeri, Onnukurukkai, and Kollatti.
In a separate incident, a smaller group of five elephants broke away from the main herd on Friday night. These elephants remained in the Sennathur and Kasavagatta areas until morning, foraging and damaging more crops. The forest department used firecrackers to chase this group away on Sunday, after which the elephants took refuge in the Kasavagatta Lake near Hosur.
Safety Alerts and Ongoing Vigilance
In response to the proximity of the wild elephants to human settlements, the forest department has issued formal safety alerts. Warnings have been disseminated to villagers and farmers in and around Sennathur and Kasavagatta, advising caution. The situation remains dynamic, with officials maintaining a 24-hour vigil to prevent any human-animal conflict and to safely guide the elephants back to their native habitat in Karnataka.
