Residents of villages near Veppanapalli in Krishnagiri district have called upon the forest department to devise a lasting solution to the persistent issue of elephants straying into human settlements and agricultural fields.
The problem has escalated due to severe drought conditions in nearby forest areas, forcing elephants to venture out in search of water and food. Locals have urged the forest department to enhance surveillance and patrolling until the end of summer, ensure adequate water and fodder within forest areas, and implement measures to keep elephants confined to deeper forest regions.
In areas such as Konkanapalli and Maharajakadai under the Hosur forest division, elephant movements near human habitations are frequent. Over the past years, more than ten people have lost their lives in elephant-related incidents in these parts. Farmers report that elephants have damaged crops including paddy, banana, tomato, mango, and jackfruit in villages like Konkanapalli, Sikaramagala, K Kottur, Bhoothimudlu, Neralagiri, Kollapalli, Sikaralapalli, Dhamandarapalli, Naralappally, Poonguruthi, Thinnoor, Belavarthy, and Chinthakampally.
"We are compelled to guard our fields throughout the night to prevent elephant intrusions," said M Suresh, a farmer. He added that elephant movement near residential areas has made walking on village roads unsafe.
The residents demand immediate and sustainable action to mitigate the conflict, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies such as creating water holes and food sources inside forests, erecting barriers, and deploying early warning systems to protect both lives and livelihoods.
