Kerala: Rapid response team formed to tackle wild animal threat in Idukki's Chinnakanal

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 6 (PTI) A new Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been constituted to tackle the recurring threat from wild animals in the Chinnakanal area of the Munnar Forest Division in Idukki district, a month after a woman was killed in a wild elephant attack, officials said here on Monday. The new team will be based at Suryanelli under the Chinnakanal section of the Devikulam Forest Range, according to a government order. The move follows the death of Mari, who was killed in a wild elephant attack in Chinnakanal about a month ago. Following the incident in which her children were also injured, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration) recommended that an RRT be set up urgently to protect the lives and property of people in the area. After examining the proposal, the government decided to constitute the team, office of the state Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said in a statement. Under the order, the new RRT has been formed by redeploying 11 experienced forest personnel from the High Range Circle. The team will remain on round-the-clock duty to respond quickly to emergencies caused by elephants straying into Chinnakanal and Suryanelli and drive the animals back into the forest. The government said the new team was expected to significantly reduce human-wildlife conflict in the region and ensure swift intervention by the Forest Department during emergencies. PTI TGB KH