THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ∙ The wild cat Arikomban, which crossed the forest from Chinnakanal region in Kerala to Tamil Nadu, has become alone again. Arikompan, who befriended the herd of elephants in Pudunadu, later strayed from the group and now travels alone. Arikomban is still found in Upper Kothyar forest area of Tirunelveli Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. The elephant was released here in the first week of June after it was caught near Pashanampetthi in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The elephant’s direction of travel is being received at the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary through a radio collar signal.
Kerala Forest Department also receives information about elephant movement through Kanyakumari DFO. Srinivas Reddy, Tamil Nadu Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests said that there is no concern about the health status of the arikomban and there are no injuries. Tamil Nadu released photos and videos of the elephant four times after its release. After this, the release of the pictures led to rumours.
Convenor of Protectors of Environment and Animal Life MK Sureshkumar alleged that Tamil Nadu forest department officials tortured the elephant when it was caught near Kampath. The convener also said that Arikompane is kept in forest detention in Muthukuzhi area of Upperkothayar. However, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department clarified that the allegations are not true and that the elephant is still healthy in Upper Kothayar. The Kerala Forest Department also confirmed this after checking the signal.
Bhimaharji and offering
An organization called Protectors of Environment and Animal Lives to pluck coconuts at Pazhavangadi Ganapati Temple at 9 am the next day for the release of the rice plant. This is for the elephant to return to Chinnakanal. That day will also mark the beginning of the collection of signatures of Bhimaharji which has been signed by 14 lakh people. A petition was submitted to the National Wildlife Board chaired by the Prime Minister to get justice for the elephant. The organization has also decided to take legal action against the Kerala-Tamil Nadu forest department officials for harassing Arikomban.
2023-08-19 04:21:16
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