In the remote hamlet of Sreemala in Kasaragod, 68-year-old Vedavathi lives in a mud-walled house at the edge of the Bandadukka forest, spending sleepless nights in fear of wild elephants. With no electricity and failing eyesight, her only source of light is a flickering kerosene lamp—leaving her vulnerable as elephants wander dangerously close in search of food.
Forest officials from the Mandakole Beat, alarmed by her isolation and exposure, now take turns to keep vigil outside her home on nights of high elephant movement. “She’s all alone in a high-risk zone,” said Section Forest Officer M.P. Raju. Officers R.K. Rahul, B. Vineeth, M. Athira, and Sumithra B. form a dedicated team watching over her.
Her house, surrounded by jackfruit and cashew trees, lies on unfenced family land, making it easily accessible to wildlife. Without a well, bathroom, or electricity, Vedavathi fetches water from a distant stream and cooks outdoors. Stormy nights drive her to a neighbor’s house half a kilometre away—the only one nearby with power.
Officials are coordinating with KSEB to install electric poles, and a ₹1 lakh fund has been promised by the Forest Department for a bathroom and basic amenities. However, her access to welfare remains blocked as the land isn’t in her name.
Despite her hardships, Vedavathi endures—supported now by the silent guardians of the forest.
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