Wild elephant rescued from 25-foot-deep well following gruelling 21-hour effort
by Ekta ChaubeyA wild elephant that fell into a 25-foot-deep well was rescued after a challenging 21-hour operation.
The incident occurred in the Areekode area of Malappuram district, Kerala on January 23.
Wild elephant rescued from 25-foot-deep well following gruelling 21-hour effort#Kerala #Elephant #Rescue
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The visual shows the elephant trapped in the well. Rescue officials are seen removing mud and creating a path on one side of the well. The elephant eventually climbs out and makes its way back to the forest.
According to reports, the elephant fell into the well when a herd entered the area the previous night. Villagers often use firecrackers to deter elephants that stray into human settlements, and it is believed the animal fell while being chased away using this method. The well, intended solely for agricultural use, lacked a protective wall.
Speaking to Newslions Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nilambur, Karthik explained that a 60-member Forest Department task force worked tirelessly to rescue the elephant and ensure its safe return to the wild. Although the initial rescue plan included using a tranquilizer gun, the operation was completed without firing a single shot. The elephant emerged unharmed and was able to rejoin its natural habitat.
The Forest Department, worked round the clock to ensure the safety of both the elephant and the locals. Initially, a tranquilizer gun was considered as part of the rescue plan, but the operation was carried out without firing a shot. The elephant managed to escape unharmed and returned to its natural habitat.
Before the operation commenced, the landowner and local residents of Urangattiri, where the well is situated, raised concerns. They demanded assurances that the elephant would be tranquilized and relocated to a remote forest area, citing previous crop damage caused by elephants frequently entering the region. Addressing these concerns, the Nilambur DFO highlighted that tranquilizing and relocating an elephant is a complex process requiring careful evaluation. The rescue was carried out following an agreement with the locals.
The Forest Department has reportedly pledged ₹1.5 lakh in compensation to the landowner for partially demolishing the well to create a rescue path. Additionally, the department has agreed to install solar fencing in the area, with an estimated cost of ₹1 crore, to prevent future incidents.