Date:23/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/23/stories/2007102360990100.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Struggling with ‘elephantine’ problem

Ravi Reddy

State seeks Orissa, Karnataka officials’ aid to drive away murderous herd

Huge problem: Elephants in Gummalakshmipuram forest area after crossing over from Orissa.

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh has sought the assistance of neighbouring Orissa and Karnataka forest officials to tackle the elephant menace causing untold misery to the people of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts for the past few weeks.

With the death toll mounting to eight and panic-stricken people in the rural areas spending sleepless nights, forest department has chalked out an action plan to drive back the nine-strong herd of elephants into the Lashkari wildlife sanctuary in Orissa. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Hitesh Malhotra flew down to Visakhapatnam to make an on-the-spot study of the situation.

Requisition has already been made to the Chief Wildlife Wardens of Orissa and Karnataka to send two trained elephants (Kunkis) each to tackle the alarming situation.

Full-fledged operation will begin from Wednesday.

Six trained elephants along with their mahouts would prevent the movement of these pachyderms towards the human habitations during daytime.

During nights, the trackers would flash searchlights so that the elephants are driven away towards Orissa border. En route, they plan to light fire so that the elephants do not stray back.

“It will take at least a week for these elephants to be driven back to the sanctuary, which is about 75 km north from the spot where they are stationed presently,” an official said.

A request was made to Orissa officials to send tranquilisers, which are not available with the State Forest Department.

Officials have come out with dos and don’ts for villagers while coming face to face with these rogue animals. Stating that elephants can easily sense the smell of human beings from a long distance, officials wanted them not to move in the direction through which the wind blows.

Officials said if a person comes across a wild elephant, he or she should start running away and wipe out the sweat preferably with a white cloth and drop it on the ground.

This done, the elephant will stop chasing the person.