To whom it may concern,

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern regarding the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Gudalur, which has resulted in numerous tragic incidents, including loss of human lives and property damage due to encounters with wild elephants.

The situation in Gudalur has reached a critical point, with frequent attacks by wild elephants posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the local community. Despite repeated incidents, the Forest Department's response has been inadequate, failing to effectively mitigate the conflict and protect human lives.

Furthermore, the establishment of elephant corridors, while intended to safeguard wildlife, has ironically led to the displacement and endangerment of human populations. This has resulted in violations of basic human rights, including the right to life and safety.

We demand immediate action to address these pressing issues:

Accountability for any negligence or misconduct on the part of the Forest Department in addressing human-wildlife conflicts and protecting human rights.

Transparency in decision-making processes related to land use and wildlife conservation, with meaningful participation from local communities.

Strengthening of measures to prevent human-wildlife conflicts, including enhanced monitoring and early warning systems.

Allocation of sufficient resources and personnel to the Forest Department to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.

Implementation of community-based initiatives to promote coexistence between humans and elephants, including education and awareness programs.

We urge relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these issues and prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods in Gudalur. Every individual has the right to live in safety and dignity, and it is imperative that steps are taken to uphold these fundamental rights.

Sincerely,

Dr Elju Eldho Thomas

Chairman

Save the People Society

Gudalur, The Nilgiris, Tmailnadu, India