TN farmers seek relocation of elephant rejuvenation camp from Thekkampatti

Coimbatore, Aug 24 (AHN) Farmers in Thekkampatti village near Mettupalayam have urged the Tamil Nadu government to relocate the proposed elephant rejuvenation camp, warning that its revival on the banks of the Bhavani River could worsen human-elephant conflict in the drought-affected region.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister recently announced in the Assembly that Rs 3 crore had been allocated to restart the camp at Thekkampatti. The annual programme, organised for temple and mutt elephants, has not been held at the location for the past five years.

Farmers from Thekkampatti and Nellithurai panchayats have opposed the proposal, pointing out that the selected site falls within a traditional migration corridor used by wild elephants. The area also contains watering points regularly visited by elephant herds moving through the forest landscape. They fear that construction, temporary enclosures and increased human activity associated with the camp could obstruct the animals’ established routes and restrict their access to water.

This could force wild elephants to move into nearby settlements and agricultural fields in search of alternative passages. Villages likely to be affected include Thekkampatti, Dasanur, NG Pudur, RG Pudur, Thottadasanur, Nellithurai and Kittampalayam. Farmers in these areas already report frequent crop raids and occasional attacks on residents by elephants straying from the forest.

Another major concern is that the camp is expected to be conducted during the breeding season and will predominantly accommodate female temple elephants. Farmers apprehend that their presence could attract wild male elephants towards the campsite and adjoining farmlands.

Agricultural fields surrounding the proposed venue are already under severe stress because of drought conditions. Farmers said any increase in elephant movement could result in further losses, while compensation for damaged crops was often delayed or considered inadequate.

The camp could also lead to traffic congestion on the Thekkampatti-Vanapathirakali Amman Temple road because of the arrival of visitors, vehicles and temporary roadside vendors.

Residents fear that increased traffic may disrupt local movement and complicate emergency responses. Previous instances of wild elephants entering the rejuvenation camp and confronting captive elephants and mahouts have added to the anxiety.

The farmers have requested the government and the Forest Department to conduct a detailed ecological and safety assessment and identify an alternative site away from elephant corridors, villages and cultivated land before restarting the programme.