Motorists warned of increased movement of wild animals on Valparai Road in summer

Motorists on Valparai Road are warned of increased wild animal activity this summer, particularly elephants seeking water.

The Forest Department has warned motorists using Pollachi – Valparai Road of increased movement of wild animals that look for water and food in the summer.

With many small streams in the forests dried up, wild elephants are regularly crossing the ghat section of Pollachi – Valparai Road to reach the water storage area of Aliyar reservoir to quench their thirst.

A wild #elephant is seen loitering in the back water areas of #Aliyar Reservoir in #Coimbatore District on Saturday. 📸: @peri_periasamy@THChennai@the_hindupic.twitter.com/d6W1dZYV5E

Forest Department officials said the staff stationed at Aliyar checkpost are advising motorists heading to Valparai to be cautious of elephants visiting Aliyar reservoir, especially in the evening. A solitary tusker was also frequenting the reservoir area. Frontline staff of the Department patrols the ghat section to ensure safety of animals and motorists, they said.

The checkpost will remain closed between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. as usual, to restrict movement towards Valparai.

Forest Department officials said that movement of Nilgiri tahr, Tamil Nadu’s State animal, might also increase along the ghat section due to the summer. Patrol staff monitor the area for the safety of the ungulates and to prevent people from disturbing them and feeding them