Kerala is not providing exact information of Arikomban, says Tamil Nadu Forest Dept

KUMILI: It is a matter of concern that Arikomban, translocated to Periyar Tiger Reserve from Chinnakanal, is continuing in the forests of Tamil Nadu. It is hinted that the rogue tusker is in the inner forest near Meghamala. As it is there, no exact signals are obtained from the radio collar fitted. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified surveillance. Arikomban did not enter the residential area last night.

Meantime, the forest department of Tamil Nadu is complaining that Kerala is not providing exact signal information of the tusker. Chinnamannur range officer said that due to this, it is difficult to monitor the movement of the elephant. It is widely said in Tamil Nadu that the tusker has killed ten people. Arikomban reaching the inhabited area for the last three days is creating an alarming situation.

The tusker that entered near the Meghamala Highways Dam had tried to destroy the crop. The elephant ran towards the convoy of the Tamil Nadu forest department officials when they tried to drive it away. Meghamala has been banned for tourists due to the situation of the elephant seen in the place. Only vehicles of the local residents and the forest department are being allowed to pass. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department informed that the control will continue until Arikomban withdraws.

Arikomban is under the surveillance of a team led by the officials of the Kerala Forest department to prevent the tusker from entering the residential area. More forest guards were deployed at Mangala Devi Temple in view of Chitrapournami festival. If the elephant reaches the residential area, crackers will be burst and sent it back to the forest.