No end to man-animal conflict in Wayanad

Crop raids and attacks by wild animals has gone up considerably in the district

Discontent is brewing among farmers living on the fringes of forests in Wayanad over the alleged apathy of the government in executing effective projects to mitigate man-animal conflict. Crop raids and attacks by wild animals such as elephant, gaur, monkey, and various species of deer has increased considerably in the district, said T.C. Joseph, chairman, Wayanad Action Committee to Prevent Wildlife Attack, a farmer organisation. Though all animals raid crops, elephants alone raid crops on the fringes of the forest after destroying the power fencing, he added. Though the three lone tuskers in the Begur forest range under the North Wayanad Forest Division have been posing serious threat to the farming community in Thirunelly grama panchayat, the authorities are yet to take steps to address the issue, he said.