Kumkis deployed to prevent makhna elephants from raiding houses

People advised not to venture outside their homes after nightfall in Gudalur

Over 20 Forest Department staff and two kumki elephants have been deputed to Gudalur in the Nilgiris to deal with problematic interactions between humans and two makhna (tuskless) elephants in the region.

The two elephants, aged between 15 and 20, are usually seen together and have moved into the Gudalur division over the last two years, officials said.

Elephants in Gudalur division have to cross many human settlements during their seasonal migration or in search of food. As these settlements lie along important elephant corridors, many elephants begin by raiding the houses for food. They become habituated to high-calorie foods inside the houses, a Forest Department official said.