Three wild elephants which strayed into human inhabited areas spread panic in Thiruvilwamala in the district on Tuesday. The elephants were finally spotted in the Bharathapuzha and efforts were on to drive them back to the forest when reports last came in.
The elephants, comprising a tusker, a she elephant and a calf, were spotted near the Someshwaram temple, Pambadi, around 2 a.m. People who were going to Ivar Madom to offer bali tharpanam spotted the elephants first.
A motorcycle rider who accidentally came in front of the elephants had to abandon the two-wheeler and scamper for safety. The elephants destroyed crops, including plantain and tapioca, in the area.
The animals thrashed the gate and compound wall of a pump house at Pambadi. Pump house workers who were asleep in their quarters woke up hearing the sound of the elephants damaging the gate and compound wall. The pump operator who was present in the compound took shelter in the pump shed.
Panic prevailed in the area as news of the elephant spotting spread. Forest officials and local people launched a search for the elephants. Finally, they were spotted in the Bharathapuzha, near Palappuram.
People thronged the sides of the river to watch the elephants. Forest officials were worried as there are densely populated areas such as Ottapalam, Kuthampully and Mayannur on the banks of the river where the elephants have camped. Section 144 was imposed at Kuthampully by afternoon. All schools in Thiruvilwamala, Kuthampully, and Mayannur were given holiday.
There was no need for the people to panic. All safety measures had been taken, said U.R. Pradeep, MLA.
“Efforts are on to bring Kumki elephants (trained elephants) from Tamil Nadu to drive the wild elephants back into the forest. Discussions are being held with the Tamil Nadu Forest Minister,” the MLA said.