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Valparai's Elephant Season Peaks: Safety First for Workers
8 Feb
Summary
- Wild elephant migration peaks in Valparai, posing coexistence challenges.
- 100 awareness sessions conducted for estate workers and stakeholders.
- Measures include clearing bushes and improving lighting around labor lines.
The Valparai plateau is experiencing a critical period as the seasonal migration of wild elephants from Kerala reaches its zenith, with 13 herds present in tea estates. This migration, beginning in September and peaking in February, necessitates enhanced human-wildlife coexistence strategies.
To address potential negative interactions, Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) authorities organized around 100 awareness sessions in January. These programs targeted estate workers, many of whom are migrant laborers unfamiliar with local wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. Sessions were conducted in native languages with the aid of field officers and supervisors.
Preventative measures include advice for storing food to avoid attracting elephants, removing bushes around labor lines, and improving lighting. Forest officials have also requested estate managements to install solar fencing and short-range cell towers to address communication gaps, a significant hindrance in the plateau. Meat shop owners were also sensitized about waste disposal to deter scavengers.
