Helpline launched to check man-animal conflict

For the first time in Tamil Nadu, a toll free helpline number was launched today to alert the Forest department about the movement of elephants and intrusion in human habitats.
With increasing number of man-animal conflicts, especially involving elephants in the region, the toll free number 1800-4254-5456, is expected to benefit people, particularly farmers, after alerting the department officials, who will be functioning round-the-clock.
The number was launched at a function held as part of World Elephant Day celebrations in the city, department sources said.
Once the department is alerted, the official would provide the information to the respective forest range officers, who would reach the spot and take action to scare away the animals to the jungles, they said.