Munnar plantation worker flees for life as wild elephants charge near quarters

A plantation worker in Munnar had a narrow escape on Friday morning when two wild elephants charged at him near his quarters. The incident took place at the Lower Division of the Kannimala estate, which falls under the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP).

The worker, identified as Muniyandi, was standing outside his layam when the elephants suddenly rushed toward him. He managed to flee in time and escaped without any injuries. Local residents said the herd had entered the residential area in the early hours of the day.

Elephant movements have become increasingly common across the Munnar hill tracts, and recurring human-wildlife conflict has left plantation labourers on edge. Workers said the persistent presence of elephants has made them reluctant to step out of their homes or report for duty in the tea estates.

Munnar Range Officer S. Biju said the forest department's rapid response team (RRT) reached the spot soon after being alerted and successfully chased the elephants back into the forest. The RRT continues to monitor the movement of the animals in the area, the official added.