Title: Rogue Elephant Arikomban Relocated to Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve after Weeks of Efforts
Introduction:
After weeks of tireless efforts by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the notorious rogue elephant Arikomban has finally been tranquillized and relocated to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts. The relocation aims to provide Arikomban with a new home in a dense forest area, away from human settlements, where he can thrive without posing a threat to human life and property. The move comes after Arikomban’s repeated raids on Public Distribution System (PDS) shops for rice in Kerala and his involvement in several fatal trampling incidents. This article delves into the details of Arikomban’s relocation and the concerns surrounding his capture and training.
Arikomban’s Relocation:
On Monday, Arikomban, the elephant whose name loosely translates to rice-tusker in Malayalam, was successfully tranquilized by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The following morning, he was relocated to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, which boasts a pristine habitat with dense forests and abundant water sources. The additional chief secretary of Environment Climate Change & Forests, Supriya Sahu, shared pictures and videos of Arikomban in his new home, expressing satisfaction with his active behavior and healthy appetite. To ensure his safety and prevent any potential harm to the surrounding environment, a dedicated team of 10 anti-poaching watchers, four forest range officers, two deputy directors, and veterinary surgeons is closely monitoring Arikomban’s activities.
A History of Notoriety:
Arikomban gained infamy for his repeated raids on PDS shops in Kerala, where he targeted rice supplies. Additionally, he was responsible for tragically trampling nearly 10 individuals over the years and causing property damage. These incidents raised concerns among the authorities and necessitated decisive action to address the situation.
Previous Attempts and Opposition:
On April 29, Arikomban was initially relocated to the Periyar Tiger Reserve near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. However, he was later spotted in the town of Cumbum in Tamil Nadu, prompting the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to take further action to prevent potential damage to life and property. Prior to the relocation, the Kerala government had proposed capturing and training Arikomban to become a kumki elephant, which would involve using him for various tasks within controlled environments. However, animal rights activists vehemently opposed this plan and filed a case against it in the Kerala High Court. A panel appointed by the High Court subsequently supported the activists’ concerns, leading to the abandonment of the capture and training proposal.
Conclusion:
The successful relocation of the rogue elephant Arikomban to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve marks a significant step in mitigating the threat he posed to human life and property. By providing Arikomban with a new home in a dense forest area, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department aims to enable him to lead a peaceful and natural life away from human settlements. The dedicated team of officials and veterinary experts will continue to closely monitor his well-being and behavior to ensure his successful integration into the reserve. This effort demonstrates the importance of proactive measures to address human-wildlife conflicts while considering the concerns of animal rights activists and promoting the welfare of all stakeholders involved.
