A plantation worker in Kerala's Munnar had a narrow escape on Friday after two wild elephants charged at him, in a dramatic incident that highlights the escalating human-elephant conflict in the Western Ghats.
The worker, identified as Muniyandi, was standing outside his plantation quarters - layam - at Lower Division of Kannimala estate under Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP) when two elephants suddenly charged. He fled immediately and escaped unhurt. Residents said the herd entered the residential area early Friday morning. A photograph shows the chilling moment - an elephant charging down a tea slope as Muniyandi runs.
Elephant sightings are frequent across Munnar, where recurring conflict continues to stoke fear among labourers. Workers said persistent presence has made them afraid to step outdoors or go to work.
Munnar Range Officer S. Biju said the forest department's Rapid Response Team rushed to the spot and chased elephants back into forest. "The RRT members are monitoring the movements," he said.
The incident is structural, not accidental. Tea estates fragment traditional elephant corridors, and layams are located on forest fringes. During monsoon, elephants move to higher grounds, increasing contact with humans. Without early warning systems, corridor restoration and safe housing away from fringes, Munnar's workers will remain on the frontline of conflict.