By Trend News Line 2024-05-24 10:55:47.
An Unfortunate Encounter
An 84-year-old man tragically lost his life in a devastating encounter with an elephant in the early hours of May 24, 2024. The victim, identified as Palaniyandi, was a long-time resident of Devala in the Pandalur forest range within the Gudalur division.
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The Tragic Incident
On that fateful morning, Mr. Palaniyandi had stepped out of his house for a routine task when he was suddenly attacked by a solitary elephant that had strayed into the vicinity in search of food. The Divisional Forest Officer, Vengatesh Prabhu, revealed that the area surrounding Mr. Palaniyandi’s residence was dotted with fruit-bearing jackfruit trees, which had lured the elephant towards the human settlement.
Forest Department’s Efforts
Despite the diligent efforts of 12 forest teams engaged in daily patrols across the division to alert residents about elephant movements, this particular male elephant managed to evade detection and ventured into the village, leading to the tragic confrontation.
Compensation and Preventive Measures
As a gesture of compassion, the authorities awarded ₹10 lakhs in compensation to the bereaved family of Mr. Palaniyandi. The forest department acknowledged the recurring issue of elephants being drawn towards human settlements by fruiting jackfruit trees, which are often left unused by residents for commercial or personal consumption.
Request for Intervention
Recognizing the need for proactive measures to reduce human-elephant conflicts, the forest department has appealed to the district administration for approval to prune the fruits from the trees near human habitats. This strategic initiative aims to diminish the likelihood of negative encounters between humans and elephants in the region.
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A Life Remembered
Mr. Palaniyandi’s untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the complex coexistence between humans and wildlife in forested areas. His legacy as a respected member of the community will endure, with his tragic passing prompting heightened awareness and discussions on wildlife conservation and human safety.
Continued Vigilance
While the forest department remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard both human lives and wildlife, the incident underscores the importance of sustainable practices that promote harmonious living between humans and elephants. Through collaborative initiatives and community engagement, the goal of mitigating conflicts and preserving biodiversity can be achieved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unfortunate demise of Mr. Palaniyandi serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained between human activities and wildlife conservation. By implementing proactive measures and fostering mutual respect between communities and wildlife, we can strive towards a future where tragic incidents like these become rare exceptions rather than stark realities.
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– Elderly man killed in elephant attack
– Elderly man killed in Gudalur elephant attack.
