Tragic Death of Plantation Worker in Idukki Due to Wild Elephant Attack

Idukki, August 27: A 62-year-old plantation worker lost his life in a wild elephant attack in the Pooppara area of Idukki district, Kerala. This incident raises concerns about the increasing encounters between wild elephants and human settlements in the state’s elevated regions.

The victim, Ocha Thevar, was a resident of Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu. According to the Devikulam range officer, a wild elephant attacked him on Thursday in a 12-acre area of the Thalakkulam estate, resulting in severe injuries. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The body will be sent to the mortuary at Idukki Medical College Hospital.

Reports indicate that a herd of wild elephants had been present in the area since Thursday morning. This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict faced by local residents and plantation workers.

Forest department officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), have arrived at the scene. The Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the forest department attempts to drive elephants back into the forest when they encroach on populated areas. However, elephants often return, putting local residents and plantation workers at risk of attacks and crop damage.

This incident comes amid another recent encounter in the nearby Munnar area, where a young man faced a wild elephant near Mount Carmel Church. Fortunately, he managed to escape unharmed as the elephant unexpectedly entered the area.

The elephant also caused significant damage to crops, with CCTV footage of the incident emerging. These recurring events have raised concerns about the increasing movement of wild elephants in the Munnar-Pooppara region. The forest department is working to return the elephants to the jungle, but repeated intrusions pose a significant challenge for those living and working near forest boundaries.

In response to several such incidents in high-range areas in recent years, the Kerala government has adopted a standard protocol to provide compensation to the victims’ families.