Wild elephant rescued from dam channel after struggle in southern India
by Aditi VermaA wild elephant was successfully rescued from the leading channel of a dam in southern India’s Tamil Nadu after being washed away by a strong current, thanks to prompt action by officials.
The incident took place in the Mullaperiyar Dam canal at Periyar Tiger Reserve in Theni district on July 10.
Visuals showed an elephant trapped in a dam struggling against the current until officials reduced water flow, allowing it to escape. The scene depicts officials managing the dam’s controls amid lush greenery, with the elephant emerging from the water, relieved and heading back into the forest, symbolizing a successful rescue operation amidst natural tranquility.
According to reports a wild elephant was rescued from the leading channel of Periyar Dam in Theni district after being washed away by a strong current. Officials halted the release of water from the reservoir to facilitate the rescue.
The incident began on the night of Tuesday, July 9, when the elephant became stuck at an iron grill near a tunnel that channels water from the dam in Kerala to Tamil Nadu. It is believed the elephant wandered into the channel from the reservoir side, getting caught in the powerful flow of 1,200 cusecs of water.
Unable to withstand the pressure, the elephant was swept towards the head sluice. Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department officials discovered the distressed animal on the morning of July 10. Swiftly, they stopped the water release, allowing the elephant to swim back towards the dam and eventually return safely to the nearby forest.
This prompt and effective response ensured the elephant’s safe return to its natural habitat, highlighting the dedication and efficiency of the rescue teams involved.