Forest dept. issues alert after four wild elephants in musth roam near Munnar town

The Forest department has issued a high-level alert to tourists and the general public as four wild elephants in musth continue to roam in areas close to Munnar town.

According to Munnar Range Officer S. Biju, the elephants include the well-known tuskers Padayappa, Virinjia Kompan, and Ottakompan, along with a fourth tusker that recently migrated from the Mankulam forest division.

“The wild elephants are moving very close to Munnar town. We have issued a strict warning to tourists and residents not to attempt photography or approach the animals,” the officer said. “Drivers have also been instructed not to bring their vehicles near the tuskers.” The Forest department has formally alerted the local panchayat, police, Fire and Rescue Services, and other departments concerned about the presence of the elephants and their musth condition.

At present, the Forest department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), led by Munnar Division RRT head Jayan J., is closely monitoring the movement of the elephants across the hill station. While officials stated that the tuskers are not displaying aggressive behaviour at the moment, they stressed the need for the public to strictly adhere to safety advisories. The elephants have been sighted in areas including Old Munnar, Periyavarai town, Kallar, and Nallathanni.

‘Shops, farms raided’

Meanwhile, local residents have alleged that the elephants, including Padayappa, have been causing damage to farms near residential areas. They also reported that Padayappa has been raiding roadside shops to consume stored food items. Officials confirmed that a considerable number of wild elephants are currently active within the Munnar range, with several having migrated from and camped in the area after moving from the Mankulam forest division.