Officials warn tourists to be cautious of elephant herd roaming Munnar

As wild elephants continue to roam Munnar town, loud music played by tourists is causing a significant disturbance to local wildlife, posing a threat to public safety.

According to Forest department officials, tourists attempting to take photos and videos of the elephants are also creating a major headache for both the department and the local police.

The officials said that wild elephants have been frequenting the Munnar area for several days. Among them is Padayappa, Munnar’s popular wild tusker, which is at present in musth — a period of heightened aggression. A four-member herd is also camping near the tusker.

Around 1 p.m on Friday, a three-member elephant herd entered the Munnar-Bodimettu Highway near the botanical garden. Upon seeing the herd, tourists rushed to take pictures. Following a coordinated effort, forest officials and police successfully chased the herd into a nearby tea plantation.

By 4:45 p.m., tusker Padayappa approached the same area and attempted to walk onto the main road to Munnar town, which had been congested with hundreds of tourist vehicles. The Forest department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), led by Munnar Division RRT head Jayan J., used firecrackers to drive the tusker back into the plantation.

“The tusker is in its musth period, and we cannot predict its movements. We had to block the animal’s path to prevent a disaster. On Friday evening, we eventually provided a clear way for the tusker to cross the road safely. The police officials from Devikulam and Munnar stations provided maximum support to the Forest department,” said Mr. Jayan.

‘Avoid camping’

Munnar Range Officer S. Biju warned that tourists playing loud noise and dancing pose a direct threat. “Even as officials tried to clear the elephants, tourists on buses were shouting and dancing. Such actions provoke the wild animals,” Mr. Biju said. He added that travellers should avoid camping on roadsides at night as wildlife movement is unpredictable.

“The Forest department has begun raising awareness among tourists, advising them not to shout or attempt to take selfies when wild elephants are sighted on the road,” Mr. Biju said.

Plantation sector officials noted that groups arriving in luxury coaches often stop on the road to sing and dance, causing traffic jams and disturbing local workers in their layams (cluster homes).

G. Sojan, coordinator of the ‘My Munnar Movement’, noted that while singing and dancing are part of the tour experience, “enjoyment by tourists should not cause traffic blocks or disturb local wildlife.”