Malappuram: People living in the fringe areas of Nilambur, Kalikavu and Vazhikkadavu forest ranges in the district are panic as the attacks by wild animals straying into the human habitat has increased over the week.
Wild tuskers and wild boars are on the prowl in these forest regions which has caused massive losses and damages to farmers, properties, crops and farmlands.
The recurring incidents also pose a threat to the lives of the people.
A 20-year-old youth was killed in an attack by a herd of wild boars on Tuesday near Kalikavu.
On Monday, a wild tusker strayed into the residential areas in Mampad and Vadapuram near Nilambur destroying several crops.
The tusker created panic after the forest officials’ attempts to drive back the animal went in vain. In a series of such incidents in various localities of Muthedam panchayat in the Vazhikkadavu forest range, rampage by tuskers had damaged nearly 100 areca nut and plantain trees earlier this week.
Besides the attacks, wild animals also cause road accidents especially in Nilambur-Perumpilavu state highway passing through Kalikavu, a resident said.
The forest department has decided to revive the elephant alert system in the region to warn the people of imminent attacks by wild animals.
“Local vigil groups named Jana Jagratha Samithi have already been formed in all affected areas in forest border to tackle the issue. The elephant alert system also works properly. Compensation for the damages due to such attacks will also be paid accordingly,” L. Chandrasekhar, chief conservator of Palakkad forest circle, said.
