Elephant herds terrorise rubber estate workers, ravage crops in Keralam’s Palappilly

Herds of wild elephants have triggered fresh concern in the plantation belt of Muply-Chokkana here, where more than 30 elephants, including calves, have been roaming rubber estates, posing a serious threat to plantation workers.

Workers engaged in rubber tapping have complained that the frequent presence of elephants in the estates, both during the day and at night, has made it difficult for them to carry out their work safely.

The threat has heightened following an incident about a month ago in which a rubber-tapping worker was attacked by a wild elephant at Chokkana.

‘Rebuild trenches’

The workers have urged the authorities to rebuild the trenches that once existed along the forest boundary to prevent wild animals from straying into the plantation areas.

Meanwhile, a herd of wild elephants has caused extensive damage to crops at Karikulamkadavu in Palappilly, leaving farmers distressed. Several farms have suffered damage.

Repeated elephant raids over consecutive days have compounded the hardships faced by farmers, who are struggling to protect their crops and livelihoods. The continued incursions have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the fencing already installed in the area.

Lasting solution sought

The Malanadu Karshaka Samrakshana Samithi has demanded an urgent and lasting solution to the elephant menace, calling on the authorities to take immediate measures to safeguard the lives of residents and protect agricultural land from further destruction.

Published - October 27, 2026 07:34 pm IST