Thodupuzha: The ongoing threat from wild elephants in Mullaringad escalated on Friday when a temporary forest watcher was injured while attempting to drive away a tusker that had strayed into farmlands near the Amayalthotti Muslim mosque, a densely populated area.

The injured watcher, Saju, was part of a team deployed to push the animal back into the forest after it caused extensive crop damage. During the effort, the elephant charged, forcing the team to flee. Saju fell while escaping. He is currently being treated at a local hospital.

The elephant had breached the forest fencing before entering the settlement. Though it was driven towards the forest after prolonged efforts, it continues to linger near residential areas.

Three years of fear, no lasting solution
Mullaringad residents have lived under the threat of elephant intrusions for over three years. Despite repeated complaints, the problem remains unresolved. Wild elephants frequently enter farmlands, destroying crops. Locals try to repel them using firecrackers and bonfires, but the animals often return within days.

Around 150 families live in the Amayalthotti area, most dependent on farming and daily-wage work. The settlement borders the Kothamangalam Forest Division, with a river just half a kilometre from the forest road.

On December 29 last year, a local youth, Amar Ibrahim, was killed in a similar attack, sparking public outrage. Since then, residents claim elephants are often spotted near homes, yet no effective action has been taken. Just a day earlier, three people narrowly escaped another elephant encounter.

In protest against continued elephant attacks and the lack of preventive measures, local elected representatives have launched a sit-in in front of the Chullikkandam Section Forest Office. Vannappuram Panchayat President M A Biju, Block Panchayat Member Ravi K K, and Ward Member Jijo Joseph are leading the demonstration.

They accused the Forest Department of neglecting public safety, despite multiple complaints. “We’ve only received empty promises while the threat grows,” the leaders said. Protestors are demanding immediate intervention and a concrete plan to resolve the long-standing human-elephant conflict in Mullaringad.