KOCHI: Wild tuskers trespassing into human settlements and cities have turned out to be a new normal in Kerala. Forest officials had weaved plans before along with the cooperation of people to ward off these giants back into the wilderness. But now, a Resort owner is on the other end of tirades from animal lovers and forest officials for the inhuman way he considered trying to shoo away these giants to the forest.

The resort owner in Panamkuzhy concreted the periphery of the resort and placed pointed iron nails 4 inches in depth that could easily pierce and kill the tuskers. Panamkuzhy is an ecotourism hotspot that sees a rush of tourists at all times. The resort that sits calmly near Periyar covers an area of 1.5 acres.

The resort is owned by an NRI Doctor, who maintains well the space to spend time when he touches Kerala. Long Before, the resort owner tried putting up electrical fences to scare these big ones but it rarely worked. Even though the concreted iron nails fall within a private territory, such acts are non-bailable offenses under the wildlife conservation act.

It was Keralakaumudy that brought in the news which acted as a basic ground for Malayattur DFO Ravikumar Meena to immediately put orders to take away the iron nails placed. Sensing that things went beyond control, the resort wasted no time and took away the nails placed. Such traps if placed can infect the legs of elephants and will eventually see the giant dying a cruel death. The sudden response in favor of the DFO and forest officials ensured no criminal offense against the resort owner, who escaped this time with a sound warning from the officials.