With deaths on both the sides on the rise, man and elephant are fighting an unequal battle for space in Coimbatore.

It has turned out to be a dark year for the unending human-elephant conflict in Coimbatore district, which is girdled by mountains on the western side. With numbers doubling in comparison with the previous years, elephants have found themselves on the losing side in the unequal battle with humans.

Almost tripling from the year 2015, 23 elephants, including the well-known Madukkarai Maharaj, died in the forests of Coimbatore this year. What concerns the people is that unnatural deaths have increased leaving a bad image on wildlife management in the region.

According to senior Forest Department officials, eight elephants, including six male and two female elephants, died in 2015, six succumbing to diseases and one each to electrocution and natural causes. By December 27, 2016, up to, 13 male elephants and 3 female elephants died, out of which six died of diseases including anthrax; six died of natural causes, one fell down from a hill; two were killed by trains and one elephant was electrocuted.

There was also a significant death toll among humans. Ten people were killed this year, double the number from 2015. The Forest Department issued Rs 91.38 lakh in compensation for injuries caused by animals, loss of life, property, crop and livestock.

Interestingly, last year, the Forest Department distributed up to Rs 1,21 crore as compensation for the same issues.

Department steps up measures to prevent damages:

District Forest Office S Ramasubramaniam has denied allegations of more deaths from increased human-animal conflict. “The population of elephants is more than 600 this year, hence conflicts are happening,” he said.

He added that the department was taking many steps, including increasing the Elephant Proof Trenches (EPT) to a further 13.5 km in addition to the 200 meters. “Our men are also patrolling the Railway tracks where a watch tower, fences and ramps will be set up to prevent elephant accidents,” he told The Covai Post.

New arrivals show positive signs:

According to Forest Department officials, despite many elephant deaths, most of the herds are seen with new calves, which has given hope to nature lovers.

Hard-working anti-poaching watchers:

Even after the clock strikes ghostly hours, Anti-Poaching Watchers (APWs) of the Forest Department are on the field sweating it out, in driving the elephants back into the reserve during the migratory season despite the freezing cold.

The department had planned to provide food and tea to the 136 APWs working at night to beat the cold. They had earlier distributed overcoats with the help of World Wildlife Fund, Coimbatore, to all APWs.

Vaccination to cattle and awareness programmes in villages:

After a tusker died of anthrax on December 27, the department vaccinated around 200 cattle to prevent the spread of disease in the Madukkarai region. Vaccinations for foot and mouth disease, were also given to cattle in ranges, including Sirumugai.

In addition, the department handed out pamphlets and posters to create awareness among locals to not venture out in the night near farmlands. Farmers were also told not to sleep in the open during the night.

Seeking food and space:

While many allege that lack of fodder and water inside the reserve was the major reason for elephants to venture out, experts said that lack of space are forcing the pachyderm outside the reserve.

In addition, even as NGOs here claim that more than 50 organisations have occupied the elephant corridors in Coimbatore, according to government data, only one property belonging to ACC Cements, falls inside the reserve with a valid permission from the Government and others possess legal patta documents.