Erode accounts for a high number of deaths in man-animal conflicts. Eight lives were lost in 2014 and four till now in attacks by wild animals in the forest divisions of Sathyamangalam, Hassanur and Erode.

Man-animal conflicts usually occur when wild animals stray out due to water shortage in forest areas. “This time, thanks to the summer showers, there has been no major straying incident by elephants,” says C.H. Padma, District Forest Officer, Hassanur and Deputy Director, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.

“The department has been advising people to move in groups or carry fireballs and powerful torches while moving at night says, Nagarajan, District Forest Officer, Erode Division.

In case of a death, the affected family is entitled to Rs. 3 lakh as compensation. An immediate relief of Rs. 25,000 is provided to the families of the victims, and the rest is settled in 30 days of submission of required documents, including the legal heir certificate, post-mortem report, and certificate of residence, sources said............Read more

Source web page: The Hindu