As many as 13 elephants, including three calves, that strayed into the
forest area in Kolathur on the Tamil Nadu – Karnataka border on
Saturday were driven back by forest officials here on Sunday.
Enters village
The herd crossed River Cauvery and entered Kottaiyur village on Saturday.
It is said that due to increase in inflow in the river that crossed
10,000 cusecs on Saturday, the herd could not return to forest area in
Karnataka and were camping near the village.
Fear gripped villagers in Kottaiyur, Kottaiyur Parisal Thurai and
Govindapadi as they were asked not to move near the herd. Villagers
burst crackers and beat drums so that the herd does not enter their
area.
Team
A team of forest officials led by Mettur Forest Ranger Saravana Muthu
was monitoring the situation on Saturday and Sunday.
However, on Sunday afternoon, officials drove the elephants back which
crossed the River Palar and entered the forest area in Karnataka.
Monitoring continues
Officials said that elephants used to drink water in the river, but
never cross it. Officials continue to monitor the movement of herd in
the area.
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