Kerala: Elephant falls into well in Kothamangalam; rescue operation continues

The forest department and the local police are trying to rescue the elephant.  The villagers spotted the elephant and informed the police officials

Palakkad: An elephant fell into a well in Kothamangalam last night. The efforts are undergoing to rescue the elephant. The forest department and the local police are trying to rescue the elephant. The villagers spotted the elephant and informed the police officials this morning.

The DFO of Malayattoor informed that after draining the water in the well, it was decided to start giving tranquilizer shots. The prohibitory orders have been announced in wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Kottapadi panchayat. 

The officials stated it is hoped that the elephant can be rescued as soon as possible. The locals demanded a solution to wild animal attacks in Kothamangalam Taluk. As per reports, the water supplies to 20 families are in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the locals demanded that the elephant be tranquilizer shot and taken away. The locals also claimed that the elephant would create problems in the residential areas if taken outside.

Recommendations of the State Disaster Management Authority

1. Local people should cooperate as required by officials in taking action in human-animal conflict.
2. The forest department officials will decide what kind of disaster response should be done
3. After the elephant is brought ashore, the District Disaster Management Authority, Forest Department, Animal Protection Department and Local Institution Department will take further action with the approval of the Chief Wildlife Warden 
4. On the occasion of bringing the elephant ashore, it will show aggressive behavior and various Residents of the area should maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from the well as there is a possibility of running in different directions.