It has been reported that five elephants have camped in a lake near Perur in the city. The forest department officials have attempted to drive the herd of elephants, into the forests. During this effort, Velliangiri a forest department official was injured, when he tried to escape an elephant which was chasing him.
The elephants which come out of the forests in the Western Ghats have reportedly damaged the crops in the areas near the foothills. Man-animal conflicts have also been reported as the jumbos have attacked humans who come in their path. There is an increase of incidences of man-animal conflict in the areas adjoining the forests.
A herd of elephants which came out the forest area in Theethipalayam destroyed crops which were planted in the nearby fields. The herd then moved to the Chettipalayam Lake. Natives who noticed the elephant herd alerted the forest department officials. Forest department officials who visited this location, tried to drive the herd back into forests by bursting crackers. Suddenly the elephants turned violent and attacked the officials. In a bid to escape the attack, Velliangiri a forest guard fell down and injured his leg.
Having administered first aid, this officer was admitted into a private hospital. Forest department officials held discussions on driving the elephants safely back into the forests and decided to continue their efforts in the evening. Following the camping of elephants, forest department officials have issued a warning to the natives of this region.