Nearly a hundred villagers of Gandhi Nagar demolished Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary under Palmaner forest range, protesting in front of forest range officer in Palmaner on Monday to demand protection of their crops and homes after the four-elephant herd movement . He has been a township for a fortnight.
Villagers reported that a herd of four elephants, which had lost their way from the Kaundinia project, had been camping near the Gandhi Nagar stop for a fortnight, regularly raiding crops standing at night and returning to the forests during the day. . The villagers alleged that despite repeated appeals by the field staff, steps were taken to take them back to the sanctuary, but no action has been taken so far. The villagers expressed resentment that the movement of forests close to human habitats posed a serious threat to people, especially the elderly, women and children.
Palamaner police blocked traffic at the busy tri-state junction for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as protests by villagers.
Forest Range Officer (Palmanar) Shivanna said that despite efforts by forest watchers and elephants to remove four wild elephants from Gandhi Nagar village, the animals were reluctant to move away.
“We feel that in view of the onset of heat effect in the forests, flocks are attracted to the village for availability of fodder and water. Due to the proximity of the national highway, we are cautious not to put them at any risk. We have also taken note of the damage done to the crops in the village. The FRO said that after consultation with the district officials, an appropriate decision would be taken to drive them back on trains.
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