When forest field staff kept watch on polling stations (India) The Times of India April 7, 2021 UDHAGAMANDALAM: At least 40 forest field staff members have been stationed at 13 polling booths in Cherambadi and Pandalur forest ranges and another few in Nadugani forest range in Gudalur (reserve) constituency in the Nilgiris since Monday to monitor the movement of wild animals, especially elephants, and tackle conflicts with humans, if any. In Pandalur forest range, a father-son duo were killed in a wild elephant attack a month ago. Kalai Vendan, forest range officer, said, “We have deputed 15 field staff members in seven booths, where movement of wild animals, especially elephants, is common. They will guard the booths till the electronic voting machines are shifted to strong room.” According to him, no movement of elephants has been recorded close to the polling booths so far. In Cherambadi forest range, 18 members of the forest field staff are stationed at six polling stations. “We have deployed a team of three field staff members in each of the six polling booths. It’s to ensure safety of both the voters and polling booth officials,” said Anand Kumar, forest range officer. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/when-forest-field-staff-kept-watch-on-polling-stations/articleshowprint/81940130.cms