Tuskers, led by Padayappa, encircle Munnar town; authorities step up vigil

Munnar town and its surrounding areas are witnessing frequent elephant sightings, with around 15 elephants reported near the settlement, the Forest Department has said. Herd, including lone tuskers such as Padayappa, Ottakomban and Virikomban, have been approaching the town, causing concern among local residents.

Elephants were seen in areas including Signal Point, Chokanad, Kannimala and Mattupetty. The herd, led by Padayappa, often descend onto the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, obstructing traffic.

The situation is particularly severe at the Munnar Panchayat’s waste plant in Nallathanni Kallar, where elephants raid vegetable waste, sometimes frightening workers. Women and other residents have previously been injured by elephants in the area. Elephants have also been causing damage along the Munnar-Marayoor road, notably in Periyavara and Kannimala. In the Kannimala Top Division, an auto-rickshaw driver was killed in a previous elephant attack, while ongoing raids by the jumbos continue to destroy vegetable crops.

Earlier, elephants, led by Padayappa, had damaged roadside shops and several vehicles in Periyavara. Elephants are now commonly seen on all roads in the Munnar region.

Forest Department monitoring

Elephants, including tuskers, are currently being monitored near the town. At present, the animals are not aggressive. Two Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) from the Forest Department are keeping a continuous watch. If elephants enter residential areas, the teams are prepared to drive them back into the forest. The public has been urged not to provoke the elephants.

– S Biju, Munnar Range Officer