The forest department’s efforts to drive elephants away from coffee plantations in Pudukote, Imangala, and Maggula villages in Virajpet taluk faced significant challenges as the elephants returned to the area. The operation, which had been relaunched on Friday, was prompted by repeated damage to crops and growing concern among villagers. The herd had been causing havoc in these plantations, which are part of the Virajpet range.
The drive began on Thursday, after villagers demanded that the elephants be relocated to forest areas. Initially, the herd seemed to move towards Chambebellur, Pudukote, and Imangala, reaching a hilltop. However, the elephants unexpectedly charged at the forest staff, forcing them to retreat to safety. The herd then wandered back into the coffee estates, where they continued their destructive behavior.
Key personnel in the operation, including Deputy Conservator of Forests Jagannath, ACF Gopal, and Virajpet Range Forest Officer KV Shivaram, were present during the operation. Despite the ongoing challenges, the forest department resumed their efforts to safely remove the elephants from the plantations on Friday morning.
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