Wild elephants continue to be drawn to Munnar dumping yard; spotted consuming plastic waste Sandeep Vellaram, The Hindu March 9, 2025 See link <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/wild-elephants-continue-to-be-drawn-to-munnar-dumping-yard-spotted-consuming-plastic-waste/article69310373.ece> for photo. The dumping yard near Munnar has become a grave threat to local wildlife, particularly elephants, which are increasingly consuming plastic waste from the site. Recently, two single-tusked wild elephants, known as Ottakompan, were spotted at the panchayat-managed yard at Kallar, consuming plastic-laden vegetable waste. According to sources, wild elephants have been frequenting the yard for months, drawn by the easy availability of food. Adding to the danger, a low-lying transformer and power lines inside the yard poses risk of electrocution of these animals. “The two tuskers arrived from the Mankulam forest and have been camping in the yard due to the easy access to food. If they continue to consume waste, it will severely impact their health,” a source warned. The presence of wild elephants near the yard also poses a safety risk to workers at the panchayat-owned sewage plant. On September 25, two employees at the Kallar waste dumping yard under Munnar grama panchayat were attacked by a wild elephant. One of the victims, 67-year-old Alakamma from Rajiv Nagar, sustained serious injuries. R. Mohan, president of the Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS), stressed that immediate action could resolve the crisis. “The authorities should install solar fencing around the waste treatment plant and dig trenches along the yard while protecting the existing stream. The main reason elephants are attracted to this location is the dumping of vegetable waste,” he said. Mr. Mohan also raised concerns over tourists gathering at the site to take photos of the elephants. “The two tuskers at the yard are highly aggressive and can charge at any moment. Authorities must install warning signs to prevent accidents,” he said. Munnar range officer S. Biju confirmed that the Forest department had already instructed the panchayat to install solar fencing. “Based on the panchayat’s request, we provided an estimate for the fencing project,” he stated. Meanwhile, Munnar panchayat secretary Udayakumar assured that the issue is being addressed seriously. “The panchayat has approved a ₹6.75-lakh project for solar fencing, and the tender process is nearing completion. Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP) which owns the land, has also assured support for the project. Additionally, we will inspect the possibility of digging a trench around the yard,” he said. The local body, meanwhile, has also approved the purchase of a ₹2.5-lakh pump-action gun, as requested by the Forest department. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/wild-elephants-continue-to-be-drawn-to-munnar-dumping-yard-spotted-consuming-plastic-waste/article69310373.ece