Special Rapid Response Team to begin operations in Chinnakkanal within a week

A dedicated Rapid Response Team (RRT) is set to become operational at Chinnakkanal under the Devikulam Forest Range within a week. The formation of the unit follows an announcement made by Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John during his visit to the area in June, after a wild elephant attack claimed the life of a woman.

The new team has been assembled by redeploying personnel from various forest offices. Devikulam Range Officer Arun Kumar E.D. said the special RRT will include a deputy range officer, two section forest officers, four beat forest officers, and four beat forest assistants. In addition, a 14-member team of temporary RRT watchers will also be part of the unit.

Chinnakkanal is recognised as a major hotspot for human-wildlife conflict in the region, with around 17 wild elephants inhabiting the area. Loss of forest connectivity often forces these animals into human settlements and farmlands, leading to casualties, injuries, and crop damage.

The region has witnessed two fatalities from elephant attacks in the past three months. On June 8, Mari, a 36-year-old woman, was trampled to death and her 11-year-old son was injured in Chinnakkanal. More recently, on August 27, S. Ochappan, a 68-year-old farmer from Bodinayakanur, was killed at Thalakkulam near Pooppara.

Forest officials expect the dedicated RRT to help curb the rising number of human-wildlife conflict incidents across the belt.