KOCHI: The Forest Department has taken up only 12 cases in the last five years regarding wild elephant attacks in the state. The Social Forestry section under the Forest Department says this is because it cannot take up cases for wild elephant attacks or the damage caused by them. In order to take up a case, the Kerala Wild Elephant Management Act and the Wildlife Protection Act must be violated. The 12 cases taken up are such cases. Of these, 11 cases were in the Ernakulam range. One in the Perumbavoor range. Not a single case was registered in 2021, when more than 100 wild elephant attacks occurred.

Even if people are killed, seriously injured, or lakhs of rupees are damaged, the police or the Forest Department are currently unable to take up a case due to the rules. According to the Wild Elephant Management Act of 2012, insurance must be ensured in temples where elephants are paraded. This is not the case in many temples. There is no insurance system at other places of worship, on the road, or in other places where elephant attacks occur.

According to the Elephant Conservation Act, elephant herders must keep a registration certificate with them for elephant processions. Often, these are not available. The police and the forest department must be informed 72 hours before the procession, and the forest officer must check the documents. The forest department range officer is in charge. The rule that permission should not be granted for elephant processions for unregistered temple ceremonies and public events is also constantly violated.

Elephant attack cases registered:

2020----02

2021---- 00

2022---- 01

2023---- 03

2024---- 06

Total---- 12

Requirements for elephant parade

Registration certificate, data book, ownership certificate, insurance certificate, microchip certificate