Chandy visits tusker-affected areas (Idukki District, India)

Author(s)

The Times of India

Date Published

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Idukki: The state government should give primary importance to protect humans rather than wild animals, said former chief minister Oommen Chandy.

He was talking to mediapersons after visiting wild tusker-affected areas at Shantanpara and Chinnnakanal on Thursday.

He said the government should take necessary steps to curb tusker menace in and around Munnar.

As part of the visit, he also met relatives of Sunil George who was killed in tusker attack on June 17.

He also visited areas near Chempola near Sinkukandam, Marayoor and Kanthalloor. He visited the house of Baby (26), a blind woman who was killed by a tusker on Monday.

DCC president Ibrahimkutty Kallar, former DCC president Roy K Paulose also joined the visit. 

Over 300 natives from Kanthalloor and Marayoor got rid of over 12 tuskers from Kanthalloor to the inner circle of Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. The tuskers used to enter human habitation often. 

The rapid response team (RRT) from Periyar already reached Marayoor and provided assistance to reduce tusker menace in Kanthalloor and Marayoor areas. 

Meanwhile, Idukki collector had submitted a report to the government and chief wildlife warden last week. The report sought the government to capture the rogue tusker, Chillikompan, from Munnar.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/chandy-visits-tusker-affected-areas/articleshow/59688270.cms