Urgent Call for Action: AIADMK MLA S.P. Velumani Advocates Robust Measures Against Escalating Human-Elephant Conflicts in Coimbatore

Coimbatore is grappling with a severe and escalating issue: the increasing frequency and intensity of human-elephant conflicts. AIADMK MLA S.P. Velumani has voiced a strong call for immediate and comprehensive preventive measures to safeguard both human lives and the majestic wild elephants.

Addressing the press, Mr.

Velumani highlighted the tragic loss of human lives and significant property damage that has become an unfortunate regular occurrence. He pointed to specific areas such as Boluvampatti, Alandurai, Thondamuthur, Perur, Madukkarai, and Maruthamalai, where residents live in constant fear due to the frequent intrusion of elephants into agricultural lands and residential areas.

The MLA emphasized that while previous AIADMK administrations had implemented various mitigation strategies, the current situation demands an intensified and proactive approach.

He urged the state government to allocate dedicated resources and personnel to the forest department, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and monitor elephant movements effectively.

Among his proposed solutions, Mr. Velumani advocated for the installation of advanced early warning systems and stronger, more extensive elephant-proof trenches and fences in critical zones.

He also stressed the importance of habitat restoration and the creation of alternative water sources and food plots within forest areas to reduce the need for elephants to venture into human settlements.

Furthermore, the MLA called for enhanced public awareness campaigns to educate local communities on safe practices when encountering elephants and to foster a sense of co-existence.

He underscored the necessity of rapid response teams to handle conflict situations, ensuring prompt intervention to guide elephants back to their habitats safely and provide assistance to affected residents.

Mr. Velumani’s appeal serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance between urban expansion and wildlife preservation.

He pressed for a multi-pronged strategy that combines technological interventions, ecological conservation, and community engagement to mitigate the risks, protect livelihoods, and ultimately, ensure the long-term survival of both humans and elephants in the region.

The legislator's impassioned plea resonates with the growing urgency to address this complex environmental and social challenge, seeking a future where Coimbatore's communities and its iconic elephant population can thrive in harmony.