Wild elephant in Mananthavady will be tranquillized soon, kumki elephants are ready; order issued to capture elephant and release it in Bandipur

MANANTHAVADY: A tranquillizer dart will be soon fired at the wild elephant that is spreading panic in the populated areas of Mananthavady. An order in this regard has been issued. The order states that the elephant should be driven away into the forest using kumki elephants. If that is not possible, the elephant should be captured after tranquillizing it and then released in the Bandipur forest area in the presence of the Karnataka Forest Department officials. The order in this regard was issued by the State Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden.

As it is difficult to drive away the wild elephant in the current situation, the authorities are trying to capture it after tranquillizing it and then release it in Bandipur. Preparations are going on to fire a tranquillizer dart at the elephant. The locals were protesting against the delay in issuing the order. The elephant is now stationed in the banana plantation. Kumki elephants Vikram and Surya have reached the spot to capture the elephant.

Earlier, Forest Minister AK Saseendran had said that the situation was being monitored and the elephant would be captured after tranquillizing it. He added that since the radio collar-fitted elephant belongs to Karnataka, Wayanad officials will talk to the Collector from Karnataka and take necessary action.