Persistent wildlife attacks and crop raiding continue to threaten residents of eastern parts of Kollam with many panchayats reporting multiple incidents in the last couple of weeks.
Forest fringes in Achencoil, Pathanapuram, Kulathupuzha, Thenmala, and Arayankavu are most affected and the farmers say they are losing more than 50% of their crops due to animal incursions. While elephants herds have been been entering and destroying crops in many parts of Pathanapuram, their presence in the area has made everyday life extremely difficult for women and children.
“The extent of crop damage is huge, as they went on a rampage in our neighbourhood. The compensation from the Forest department can hardly cover our loss,” said a resident. They add that all measures including fencing and the intervention of rapid response team have failed to help them.
