To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, the Coimbatore Forest Division has increased night patrols across seven ranges. Special focus is being placed on tracking a rogue tusker named 'Vettaiyan'.

  • Night patrol teams have been increased from 16 to 18 across seven forest ranges.
  • A dedicated WhatsApp group named 'Thadam' facilitates real-time communication with farmers.
  • Specialized teams are monitoring 'Vettaiyan', a rogue tusker causing property damage.

COIMBATORE: In a decisive move to curb the rising instances of human-elephant conflict, the Coimbatore Forest Division has significantly scaled up its nocturnal surveillance operations. District Forest Officer N. Vengatesh Prabhu announced that the department has bolstered its presence along the fringes of reserve forests to prevent wild elephants from encroaching into adjacent agricultural lands.

The strategic expansion involves increasing the number of boundary night patrol teams from 16 to 18. This intensified effort covers all seven forest ranges within the division, including Madukkarai, Boluvampatti, Coimbatore, Periyanaickenpalayam, Karamdai, Mettupalayam, and Sirumugai, utilizing frontline staff to maintain a constant vigil.

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Community-Driven Monitoring

The department has integrated technology to empower local communities. Farmers in the Thondamuthur and Thadagam regions are now part of a specialized WhatsApp group titled 'Thadam'. Through this platform, farmers receive daily updates regarding patrol schedules and direct contact numbers for the teams on duty. This allows for immediate reporting when elephants are spotted near farms or residential areas.

The integration of community intelligence via digital platforms like 'Thadam' is a masterclass in modern wildlife management.

The 'Vettaiyan' Factor

A significant portion of the department's resources is being diverted to monitor a highly active wild tusker known locally as 'Vettaiyan'. This elephant has been causing havoc in Nanjundapuram, Varapalayam, and Thiruvalluvar Nagar. Reports indicate that the tusker has gone beyond grazing, consuming cooked food, cattle rice, and feed from residential houses, leading to substantial property damage. Frontline staff also report the elephant's movement toward the Periyanaickenpalayam forest range.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as urban sprawl encroaches upon traditional migratory paths, the frequency of such encounters is bound to rise. The Coimbatore model of combining increased physical patrolling with digital community engagement serves as a critical case study for other forest divisions facing similar pressures.

Did You Know?: Elephants use infrasound—low-frequency vibrations—to communicate over long distances, which can sometimes be felt by humans near high-activity zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'Thadam' WhatsApp group?
It is a communication bridge between the Forest Department and farmers to provide real-time updates and emergency contact numbers during elephant sightings.

2. Which areas are most affected by the rogue tusker?
The areas near Thadagam, specifically Nanjundapuram, Varapalayam, and Thiruvalluvar Nagar, are seeing high activity from the tusker 'Vettaiyan'.