KOZHIKODE: Forest minister AK Saseendran said wild tusker 'Arikomban', which was relocated from Chinnakanal to Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), is in good health and is adapting to its new habitat.
He told reporters in Kozhikode on Sunday that the elephant was being monitored constantly with the help of signals from the radio collar.
He said that pujas performed by residents when the tusker was brought to Kumily should not be made a controversy. "People in various places would have their own customs and there should not be any misgivings about it. As far as I know they did that for the health of the elephant," Saseendran said.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that around a dozen wild elephants have come to the Chinnakanal area and are stationed there. The minister said that he had spoken to Munnar DFO and to chief forest veterinary officer Dr Arun Zachariah to maintain vigil in the area. He said a team of veterinarians had examined 'Arikomban' before its release in PTR. He added that some bruises were found on the elephant's skin and it was released after administering antibiotics.
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