The carcass of a wild elephant was recovered from a canal of the Aliyar Dam in Tamil Nadu. The deceased elephant has been identified as ‘Chillikomban’, a tusker deeply loved by elephant enthusiasts in Kerala’s Nelliampathy. The tusker got swept away by strong currents in the Aliyar Contour Canal near Pollachi, located within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, at around 4:00 PM yesterday. Upon receiving information, the Tamil Nadu Irrigation Department initiated measures to reduce the water flow in the canal, but the wild elephant could not be saved. Eventually, around 6:30 PM, the carcass of the elephant washed ashore near the Thirumoorthy Mangalam Dam area.
Visuals of the elephant’s carcass floating down the Aliyar Dam canal are circulating widely on social media platforms. Locals had named the tusker ‘Chillikomban’ due to its distinct, reed-shaped tusks. Although the elephant frequently ventured into the residential areas of Nelliampathy, it rarely caused any trouble or harm to the residents. Consequently, Chillikomban was a favorite among the local community in Nelliampathy. Forest officials from Udumalpet will conduct the final rites and bury the carcass within the forest area itself.
(With inputs from MN)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com