Wild Elephant Damages House; Locals Raise Concerns in Kerala
Human-wildlife conflict is a pressing issue that has been plaguing many parts of the world, including Kerala, a state in the southern Indian peninsula. In a recent incident that has sparked fresh concerns, a wild elephant attacked and damaged the house of an elderly couple at Marathode near Kakkadampoyil in Malappuram district, Kerala, on Wednesday night. The couple, V.J. Joseph and his wife, had a narrow escape during the incident, which has left the local community on edge.
According to eyewitnesses, the elephant, estimated to be around 15-20 years old, was spotted roaming around the area around 9 pm on Wednesday. The couple, who live in a small house surrounded by paddy fields and forests, were asleep when the elephant suddenly appeared outside their window. Despite the commotion, they managed to escape unscathed, but their house suffered significant damage.
“I was woken up by the sound of breaking glass and the elephant’s loud trumpeting,” said V.J. Joseph, still shaken by the incident. “I rushed out of the house, but my wife was still asleep. I managed to wake her up and we both ran out of the house. The elephant was destroying everything – it was like a nightmare come true.”
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing presence of wild elephants in the region and the lack of effective measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict. Marathode is a rural area with dense forests and paddy fields, which provides a perfect habitat for wild elephants. However, the increasing human population and agricultural activities have led to the shrinking of habitats, forcing elephants to venture into human settlements in search of food and shelter.
The local community has been living in fear of wild elephants for some time now, with several incidents of property damage and even human injuries reported in recent months. While the Kerala Forest Department has taken some measures to mitigate the conflict, including the creation of elephant corridors and the relocation of humans from areas prone to elephant activity, more needs to be done to address the issue.
“We have been living here for decades, but the elephant problem is getting worse,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We understand that elephants are an essential part of our ecosystem, but we also need protection from their attacks. The government needs to take more concrete steps to resolve this issue.”
The Kerala Forest Department has set up a team to investigate the incident and provide compensation to the affected family. However, the local community is demanding more than just compensation – they want a long-term solution to the human-wildlife conflict.
The incident also highlights the need for greater awareness and education among the local community about elephant behavior and how to prevent conflicts. The Forest Department has been conducting awareness programs in the area, but more needs to be done to ensure that the message reaches every corner of the region.
In conclusion, the incident of a wild elephant damaging a house in Marathode near Kakkadampoyil is a stark reminder of the human-wildlife conflict that is plaguing many parts of Kerala. While the government has taken some measures to address the issue, more needs to be done to prevent such incidents in the future. It is imperative that the local community, the government, and conservation organizations work together to find a long-term solution to this pressing problem.
