The elephant corridors in the Athirappilly forest range will be restored to ease the growing conflict between humans and wild elephants, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has said.
Speaking after inaugurating the renovated entrance gate and the forest shop at the Athirappilly Waterfalls tourism centre recently, the Minister said the State government was committed to becoming more responsive to the needs of local communities.
He said the closure of traditional elephant routes, used by wild elephants while moving in search of water, had intensified human-wildlife conflict.
“Blocking elephant corridors has increased the conflict between people and wildlife,” the Minister said, adding that the traditional routes would be restored.
Special drive
More than 100 forest officials and watchers are currently taking part in a special drive in the State to push 18 elephants, which have been creating fear in human settlements, back into the forest. The personnel are carrying out the operation at considerable risk, he said.
The renovated entrance gate at the Athirappilly tourism centre was funded through the asset development fund of Saneeshkumar Joseph, MLA.
Meanwhile, a Forest department rapid action team had a close encounter with a wild elephant while attempting to rescue tourists who had ventured close to the animal on the Ezhattumukham Plantation road on Tuesday.
The incident occurred near the Ezhuchani bridge area, where tourists spotted an elephant in an oil-palm plantation. Some of them got out of their vehicle to photograph the animal.
The elephant suddenly turned towards the tourists. Forest personnel who arrived at the spot rushed to help them, but found themselves directly in the elephant’s path.
Lost control of vehicle
The elephant chased the department vehicle for nearly 200 metres. As the driver reversed to escape, they lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a culvert.
The loud impact startled the elephant, which turned away, allowing the forest personnel and tourists to escape.
Published - August 19, 2026 07:40 pm IST