Kumkis deployed to prevent makhna elephants from raiding houses
The Hindu
People advised not to venture outside their homes after nightfall in Gudalur
Over 20 Forest Department staff and two kumki elephants have been deputed to Gudalur in the Nilgiris to deal with problematic interactions between humans and two makhna (tuskless) elephants in the region.
The two elephants, aged between 15 and 20, are usually seen together and have moved into the Gudalur division over the last two years, officials said.
Elephants in Gudalur division have to cross many human settlements during their seasonal migration or in search of food. As these settlements lie along important elephant corridors, many elephants begin by raiding the houses for food. They become habituated to high-calorie foods inside the houses, a Forest Department official said.
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The Karnataka government has drafted a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Kukke Subrahmanya temple, the State’s highest revenue-generating temple managed by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department. The redevelopment initiative is estimated to cost around ₹254 crore and aims to enhance infrastructure and facilities for devotees.