With the forest department gearing up to tranquilise a wild tusker which has been frequently venturing into human habitations, environmentalists are doubtful whether such operations would solve the problem, as they do not address the issue directly. They have also warned that such operations would set a very wrong example for the future.

One of the major reasons cited by the forest department officials for wildlife visits is the lack of food and water in the forest areas. The department had also created many water holes inside the forests and at the fringes to help the animals quench their thirst.

However, environmentalists have claimed that these are not the only reason for the animals to stray outside the forest limits, as disturbances within the forests are one of the major culprits.

Activist and environmentalist K. Mohan Raj from Coimbatore said that there are several disturbances inside forest areas that are driving out wildlife from forest. He further added that disturbances, including biomass removal, forest fires, grazing cattle, limestone quarries, and illegal temples were among the many reasons that drive the animals outside.

Agreeing with these reasons is another activist who says that unless these issues are addressed, the problem will remain unsolved. “The capturing and taming of animals will become a habit, and there are chances that people themselves would force the department to carry out such operations in other areas. This will definitely set a bad example,” said the activist.

Claiming that Madukkarai is not the only place where elephants venture out frequently in Coimbatore, he further said that since the department had decided against chasing the pachyderm back into the forest, people would believe that the animals will return later.

Meanwhile, armed with darts and guns, the forest department is all set to capture and tame the nearly 20-year-old wild tusker with the help four Kumkis.