30-member elephant herd, including calves, enters Palakkad rubber estate; residents panic

Palakkad (Thrissur): A herd of 30 elephants, including calves, has taken up residence in rubber estates in Palakkad, causing disruption and concern among local residents. The herd, which arrived at Chimmini estate on Saturday morning, ventured onto the road, leaving locals stranded. Locals say it is the first time such a large herd has entered a populated area.

The elephants have settled in the Akkareppadi and Karikulam areas of Palakkad, and their presence on the Palakkad–Chimmini dam road has raised safety concerns. With the herd sheltering in the plantations, rubber estate workers were unable to begin tapping work. Despite repeated attempts by locals and wildlife watchers to drive the elephants back into the forest, these efforts were unsuccessful.

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The absence of adequate Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) has compounded the situation. The herd reportedly arrived in the area last night. Locals managed to keep the elephants away from houses, where they were trumpeting, by bursting firecrackers and banging pots. Nevertheless, the herd continued to move onto the road several times.

Residents fear the elephants could approach their homes at night, potentially causing damage. They are urging forest officials to intervene and take action to guide the herd back into the forest.