Water shortage in Tamil Nadu forests drives elephant to dam for a drink, but she gets trapped in slush; rescue operation delayed

A female elephant was trapped in slush at the Gunderipallam dam near Gobichettipalayam in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district on Sunday, prompting a rescue operation involving forest officials and fire and rescue services personnel. Efforts to pull the animal out were delayed after an earthmover deployed for the operation became stuck in the muddy terrain. According to a TOI report, wild animals have been frequently venturing towards the dam in search of drinking water amid an acute shortage of water in the forest. The water level at the Gunderipallam dam, located within the T N Palayam forest range, has declined in recent weeks.

In the early hours of Sunday, the female elephant arrived at the reservoir to drink water but became trapped in the slush in an exposed section of the dam. Unable to free herself, the animal struggled for several hours and began trumpeting in distress.

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“Unable to free itself, the animal struggled for several hours and was trumpeting in distress,” a forest officer from the T N Palayam forest range told TOI.

Earthmover gets stuck during rescue operation

After receiving information from local residents, forest officials and staff from the T N Palayam forest range rushed to the spot along with personnel from the fire and rescue services. The teams launched efforts to pull the elephant out of the slush using ropes and an earthmover.

However, the rescue operation encountered a setback when the earthmover deployed to assist the animal also became stuck in the muddy terrain, delaying efforts to free the elephant.

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Forest authorities subsequently arranged for another earthmover to continue the rescue operation.

Veterinary team deployed to assist elephant

A veterinary team from Sathyamangalam has also been mobilised to provide medical assistance and monitor the elephant’s condition.

The animal had reportedly become exhausted after struggling in the slush for several hours. Forest officials and rescue personnel continued efforts to bring it to safety, while the veterinary team was prepared to assess its condition and provide the necessary treatment.