Iconic tusker Padayappa tests nerves in Munnar

Whether wandering through tea plantations or stopping at roadside shops, the wild tusker Padayappa has become a familiar presence in Munnar. But the popular hill station landmark is currently wreaking havoc, damaging vehicles and raising concerns among travellers.

The tusker recently attacked vehicles on the Munnar-Marayur interstate route and many narrow byways. According to Ministry of Forestry sources, the animal damaged four vehicles this month alone. While some residents claim that Padayappa has become a “conflict animal”, plantation workers and many local people continue to express their deep affection for the elephant.

Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS) president R. Mohan said the organization had been monitoring Padayappa’s movements for years. “In recent years, the tusker has exhibited aggressive behavior during the musth period in January and February,” Mr. Mohan said.

“After the feeling of ecstasy subsides, he returns to his normal routine and roams peacefully in and around Munnar. Due to this seasonal aggression, some groups are portraying Padayappa as a conflict animal and demanding his displacement. With another Assembly election approaching, we fear that the government may succumb to such pressures.”

Mr. Mohan added that Padayappa is a symbol of the region. “Most tourists who come to the hill station hope to see it. It has truly become a tourism icon. Locals and plantation workers care very much about the animal and want it to remain in its natural environment.”

Jayan J., head of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Forest Department’s Munnar division, said Padayappa is currently roaming between the Munnar and Devikulam forest areas.

Navigating through forest ranges

“He can be in Devikulam mountains in the morning and go to Munnar mountains in the evening,” Mr. Jayan said. “RRT is closely monitoring his movements. Neither the public nor the plantation workers have called for him to relocate. He does not attack people; his aggression is solely linked to musth and he is expected to return to normal behavior soon,” he added.

Authorities noted that the elephant destroyed more than 20 vehicles during last year’s musth period. Such incidents usually occur when tusks encounter vehicles while traveling on major roads.

Named after Rajinikanth’s hit film, Padayappa has many fans, largely due to his calm disposition, in a region known for human-wildlife conflict. They are known to appear “friendly” on the roadside and occasionally self-deliver food stored in stores without causing structural damage.

The elephant, believed to be around 60 years old, is easily identified by its limp caused by an injury to its hind leg and its unusually long tusks.