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Operation Gajamukti: Wild Elephant Safely Returned to Aralam Sanctuary

The Kerala Forest Department successfully guided a wild elephant from Aralam Farm into the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as part of Operation Gajamukti. A 25-member team led by the Aralam Wildlife Warden and Kottiyoor Range Officer tracked and drove the animal through designated fencing. This operation follows a similar mission the previous day where two elephants were returned to the forest. Authorities state these drives will continue to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect both communities and animals.

Key Points: Operation Gajamukti: Elephant Released in Kannur Forest

  • Elephant driven from farm to sanctuary
  • 25-member task force involved
  • Part of ongoing conflict mitigation
  • Follows similar operation on Wednesday
  • Aim is to safeguard residents and wildlife
2 min read

Operation Gajamukti: Another wild elephant released from Aralam Farm in Kannur district

Kerala Forest Department drives wild elephant from Aralam Farm back into the wildlife sanctuary as part of ongoing human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

"operations to drive out the remaining wild elephants from the area will continue - Authorities"

Kannur, March 6

As part of "Operation Gajamukti," an ongoing mission implemented by the Forest Department to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, another wild elephant was successfully driven from Aralam Farm into the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

The operation commenced at approximately 9:00 am on Thursday with the mission team tracking the elephant in the Chomani Odachal area of Aralam Farm Block 13. The team successfully guided the animal through the Anappara fencing and safely transported it back into the forest.

Led by the Aralam Wildlife Warden and the Kottiyoor Range Officer, the mission involved a 25-member task force. The team comprised forest department officials and watchers from the Keezhpally, Manathana, Tholambra, and Aralam sections, as well as the Iritty and Narikadavu stations.

Authorities confirmed that operations to drive out the remaining wild elephants from the area will continue in the coming days.

Earlier, the Kerala Forest Department successfully caught two wild elephants and sent them back into the Aralam Farm forest under Operation Gajamukti on Wednesday.

According to the state forest department, the elephant drive commenced on the morning of March 4 from Block 7 of Aralam Farm, bordering the Wayanad forest region. Forest officials undertook coordinated measures to drive the animals away from human settlements and lead them back into the forest.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Wildlife Warden of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary along with the Kottiyoor Range Officer. Authorities said the mission was part of continued efforts to prevent further incidents and safeguard both residents and wildlife.

Nearly 30 personnel participated in the operation, including officers from various wings of the forest department, forest watchers, and security staff of Aralam Farm. Four Forest Department vehicles were deployed to support the drive.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good work by the team, but this feels like a temporary fix. The real issue is shrinking forest corridors. We need long-term solutions to prevent elephants from entering farms in the first place. The government should focus on habitat conservation.
A
Arjun K
Operation Gajamukti is a much-needed mission. My cousin lives near a forest in Wayanad and the fear is real during crop season. Respect to the 25-member task force who did this risky job. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see efforts that protect both people and animals. The detailed planning with teams from multiple stations shows good governance. Hope other states learn from Kerala's model.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I have a question. What happens to the farmers whose crops were already damaged? Is there any compensation scheme running parallel to these operations? The article doesn't mention that.
K
Karthik V
Great news! It's a delicate balance to maintain. Elephants are our national heritage, but people's lives and livelihoods matter too. Well done to all the forest watchers and officials on the ground. 🙏

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