The Forest department has initiated preliminary steps to capture the rogue Makhna elephant, KM-1 (Kannur Makhna), which has been reportedly responsible for repeated attacks on people and extensive crop and property damage in Aralam farm and the TRDM rehabilitation areas.

The action follows an order issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden. A special preparatory meeting chaired by B.N. Anjankumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, North Circle, was held to coordinate the operation and assess preparedness. The meeting decided to constitute a special advisory committee to oversee the chemical immobilisation of the elephant in accordance with the Central government’s recommended standard operating procedure.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) K. Saji told The Hindu that a field operating team comprising experts would also be deployed to carry out the tranquilisation and subsequent capture process. He said Kumki’s from Wayanad would also be brought to control the elephant during capture and to transport it in the vehicle. The elephant is likely to be shifted to Wayanad initially, he added.

As part of the preparations, the elephant’s health and behavioural pattern will be closely monitored before any tranquilisation attempt.

Mr. Saji said that the capture had been ordered after it was found that MK1 was frequently involved in destruction of plantation, property, and fatal attacks against people.

A special team led by RRT veterinary surgeon, Ilyas Rauter B., will begin field monitoring of the animal from Tuesday (July 28). The meeting was attended by Kannur DFO K. Saji, Aralam wildlife warden Ratheesan V., and other Forest officials.