KOCHI :In a disturbing violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, the tranquility of Anakulam St Joseph’s Church’s annual festival in Mankulam panchayat, Idukki district, was shattered as crackers were burst, causing a herd of around 20 wild elephants to flee in panic. Anakulam, a renowned tourist spot, attracts visitors who gather to witness daily elephant herds at a nearby waterhole, enriched with mineral content.
Animal rights activist M N Jayachandran reported the incident, highlighting the potential disaster as the startled elephants scattered near the road where tourists had gathered. The waterhole, just 100m away from the road, lacks fencing to prevent elephants from entering human habitats.
Despite three days having passed since the incident, the forest department has not taken any legal action. Kuttampuzha forest range officer Bineesh Kumar explained that no complaints had been received, attributing the incident to the local tradition of bursting crackers during festivals.
However, animal rights activists claim that the forest department’s inaction may be tied to the recent attack on three DFO-grade officers at Mankulam on January 4. The officers, including Ernakulam forest flying squad DFO Manu Sathyan, were assaulted by a mob while attempting to stop the entry of people to a pavilion built on forest land. The attack has led to resentment within the forest force over perceived political interference.
Allegations suggest that forest officers are hesitant to take action due to political pressure, with some residents reportedly organizing off-roading programs in the forest, challenging the ban imposed by the forest department. Forest officers, in protest against the perceived cover-up of the assault case, have refused to intervene.
The situation raises concerns about the safety of both wildlife and humans in the area, emphasizing the need for swift and impartial action by authorities to uphold wildlife protection laws and ensure the well-being of all stakeholders involved.
