Coimbatore, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Farmers in Thekkampatti village near Mettupalayam have urged the Tamil Nadu government to relocate the proposed elephant rejuvenation camp, warning that restarting the programme along the Bhavani River could intensify human-elephant conflict in the drought-hit region.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister recently informed the Assembly that Rs 3 crore had been allocated to revive the camp at Thekkampatti. The annual programme for temple and mutt elephants has not been held at the site for the past five years.
Farmers from Thekkampatti and Nellithurai panchayats have opposed the proposal, saying the selected location falls along a traditional elephant migration corridor and contains watering points regularly used by wild herds.
They fear temporary enclosures, construction activity and increased human presence could obstruct established elephant routes and limit access to water, potentially forcing animals towards nearby villages and agricultural fields.
The settlements considered vulnerable include Thekkampatti, Dasanur, NG Pudur, RG Pudur, Thottadasanur, Nellithurai and Kittampalayam. Farmers said these areas already witness frequent crop raids and occasional attacks by elephants entering human habitations from nearby forests.
Farmers are also concerned that the camp could coincide with the breeding season and accommodate a large number of female temple elephants, potentially attracting wild male elephants towards the site and surrounding farmlands.
With agricultural fields already facing severe drought conditions, farmers fear additional elephant movement could cause further crop losses. They also raised concerns over delays and inadequacy in compensation for damaged crops.
The proposed camp could also increase traffic on the Thekkampatti-Vanapathirakali Amman Temple road due to visitors, vehicles and temporary vendors. Residents said congestion could affect local movement and emergency response.
Past incidents of wild elephants entering the camp and confronting captive elephants and mahouts have further heightened concerns.
The farmers have urged the government and Forest Department to conduct a comprehensive ecological and safety assessment and identify an alternative location away from elephant corridors, villages and cultivated areas before restarting the programme.
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