The Forest Department has completed the Global Positioning System (GPS) survey for setting up the first elephant sanctuary in the State. The number 301 colony of tribespeople in Chinnakanal, where a farmer was killed by wild elephants on Sunday, will also form part of the sanctuary. About 386 ha of land leased out to the Hindustan Newsprint Ltd. by the Forest Department and another 290 ha of forest land would be used for the sanctuary, he said. The main areas that came under frequent wild elephants’ attacks were in Anayirangal, Munnar, Chinnakanal, Sinkukandam and number 301 colony. The Forest Department has estimated that 38 wild elephants are stranded in the area and some of them are causing loss to human life and property.

Source: The Hindu May 14, 2019 02:21 UTC