Erode, July 24: The Forest Department has strengthened efforts to mitigate human elephant conflict in villages surrounding the Parabetta Reserve Forest under the Kadambur Forest Range of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu. The measures include clearing roadside vegetation installing AI enabled surveillance cameras and deploying special night patrol teams to improve public safety and wildlife monitoring.
The 1,250 hectare reserve forest is home to more than 15 adult male elephants and is surrounded by agricultural lands. Forest officials said elephants frequently venture out of the forest at night in search of food and water, often entering nearby farmlands and villages, leading to crop damage, property loss and occasional human casualties.
To reduce elephant movement into agricultural areas, the department has dug elephant-proof trenches along vulnerable stretches. However, several sections have been damaged due to streams, rocky terrain and soil erosion. Proposals seeking government funding for restoration have been submitted and repair work will begin once the funds are approved.
The department has also cleared dense bushes and weeds along a 1.5 kilometre stretch of the forest road from the 12th Mile inside the reserve. The initiative aims to improve visibility at sharp bends and wildlife crossing points, reducing the risk of road accidents involving elephants during night hours.
AI enabled surveillance cameras have been installed at key elephant corridors, including Iruttipalayam Road Kilathur Junction, Sigarakuttai, Commander Farm and Sodimaduvu. Officials said the cameras will monitor elephant movement, identify habitual conflict causing elephants and generate data for reports to be submitted to senior authorities.
A dedicated Forest Department patrol team has also been formed to monitor elephant activity and assist farmers and local residents. The team conducts patrols daily between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. to respond quickly to elephant movement and prevent conflict.
The department has issued 24-hour helpline numbers 83001 74719 and 86081 74719 for reporting elephant sightings. Residents have been advised to avoid travelling on forest roads at night unless necessary, especially on two-wheelers, refrain from chasing elephants without the assistance of forest personnel and avoid entering densely vegetated areas after dark.
Officials have also appealed to residents and farmers to share CCTV footage from their homes and farms with the forest range office to help identify elephants involved in repeated conflict incidents and strengthen future mitigation measures.