Date:24/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/24/stories/2007082458280400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Trained tusker to tame wild elephants

Correspondent

VIZIANAGARAM: Minister for Forests S. Vijayarama Raju, while terming the killing of three tribals by wild elephants at Vadabhai in G.L. Puram mandal on Tuesday night as "an unfortunate incident," said that a trained elephant named "Jayant" was being brought here from Chittoor to tame the herd of 11 elephants.

He said this was the second incident in the last 10 days.

It may be recalled that Biddika Sompa (40) was killed by wild elephants at Addamguda in the same mandal on August 13.

Talking to reporters at R&B guesthouse here on Thursday, Mr. Vijayarama Raju said that three mahouts and six elephant trackers were also being deployed to solve the menace.

He said ‘Jayant’ will guide them to Gudari forest area in Orissa and added that the operation will begin on Friday.

He announced Rs. 50,000 under Apatbandhu scheme and Rs. 1 lakh as ex gratia to kin of each of the victim.

He also announced houses and compensation for the damaged crops.

Divisional Forest Officer B. Ramana Babu, who was present along with M. Navin Kumar, Consultant for Hyderabad Zoo, said that while some tribals in an attempt to drive them away pelted stones at the elephants, the three tribals who were killed reportedly tried to offer prayers to the disturbed animals.