Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan said that shocking news continues to emerge from the high-range areas of the state.

“In the past three days alone, four people have been trampled to death by elephants. In just one week, five people have lost their lives. Despite repeated demands for urgent action, the government has done nothing. The government’s current approach amounts to abandoning the people living near forest borders to their fate,” he alleged.

He said that elephants are reportedly entering human settlements due to a lack of water in the forest.

“If that is the case, arrangements should be made to provide water and food within the forest itself. Other states have already implemented systems to supply water and food in forest areas where elephants frequently wander,” Satheesan said.

“Kerala too has taken similar measures in the past. The government must take immediate steps to deploy special teams in areas where elephants are commonly sighted to ensure people’s safety,” he added.

The Congress leader further stated that meetings alone are not solving the issue.

“Shouldn’t the government at least deploy the Rapid Action Force in high-risk areas? Shouldn’t food and water be provided for the animals? Temperatures are set to rise further. Does this mean more elephants will enter villages, leading to more human casualties? Is that what the minister is suggesting?” Satheesan asked.