Elephant drive continues at Aralam farm; 18 animals driven back to sanctuary

The operation to drive away wild elephants encamped in the Aralam farm area continued for the third day on Friday (April 4), with 18 elephants successfully chased out through multiple routes and directed back to the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

The herd, which had taken shelter in the farm block, was driven back via Chootakari, Nirannapara, Helipaad, Vattakad, Talipara, and Kottapara into the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The movement was part of an ongoing effort to prevent elephant encroachment and reduce human-wildlife conflict in the area.

To ensure continuity in the construction of the elephant wall, the Public Works department and the contractor will coordinate closely during the operation. A review meeting also decided to recommend to the District Collector to declare a curfew during elephant drive operations, make public announcements via microphone, and issue prior alerts to residents. The police will oversee traffic regulation on affected roads.

The Forest department requested the Disaster Response and District Management Authority to permit the use of the Tribal Rehabilitation Development Mission’s jeep until a new bridge is constructed. The TRDM site manager was also directed to attend all future meetings without fail.

The review meeting was attended by the public representative and officials from various departments.