The trio has since been occasionally raiding the crops in the plain areas of Nagari, Puttur, Narayanavanam and Karveti Nagaram mandals and has taken shelter behind hillocks and sparse jungles. The other two elephants are on the move criss-crossing the Karveti Nagaram and Puttur forest ranges. Action planA few weeks ago, forest officials had launched an operation with two kumkis (trained elephants) intending to drive the trio into the forests. The forest officials are also undertaking frequent drives to prevent the elephants from entering into human habitations, fields and from crossing the national highway towards Chennai via Nagari and Nagalapuram. Forest officials have urged the farmers not to venture alone at nights and avoid engaging elderly people on night duties.

Source: The Hindu May 09, 2021 17:01 UTC