Authorities in Kerala's Kannur district have imposed prohibitory orders in several wards of Ayyankunnu panchayat after a wild elephant strayed into human settlements, causing damage to property and sparking safety concerns.
Collector Issues Prohibitory Orders Under BNS
In response to the incident, Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan declared prohibitory orders under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The order specifically bans public gatherings in wards 6, 7, 9, and 11 of Ayyankunnu panchayat. This restriction will remain in effect until 6:00 PM on December 22, as a preventive measure to ensure public safety during the operation to guide the elephant back to its natural habitat.
Elephant Causes Damage in Residential Areas
The elephant entered the human habitations in the Valiyaparambu and Karikkottakari areas on Thursday morning. As it moved through residential compounds and rubber plantations, the animal caused significant material damage. A car porch and a rubber processing shed were damaged during its passage. The sudden appearance of the large wild animal in populated zones created a tense situation for local residents.
Forest Department and Police Launch Joint Operation
A team from the Forest Department is actively engaged in efforts to drive the elephant back into the forest. Their operation is focused on guiding the animal away from residential zones using safe and standard protocols for human-wildlife conflict situations.
In a coordinated move, the police have been deployed in the affected areas as a precautionary measure. Vehicular traffic has also been restricted on several local roads to facilitate the operation and prevent any accidental encounters between the public and the elephant. The combined efforts aim to resolve the situation without harm to the animal or the local community.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forest areas in Kerala. Authorities urge the public in the specified wards to adhere strictly to the prohibitory orders and cooperate with officials for their own safety.
