Residents expressed anger after a wild elephant fell into a well within a residential area, staging protests over the incident. They declared the animal would not be rescued until authorities address the broader challenges created due to increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

The incident took place in a residential area of Kottapady in Kothamangalam, in Ernakulam district, in southern India’s Kerala, on August 31.

Visuals show that an elephant fell into a well in a residential area, drawing nearby locals to the scene. In another video, the elephant, covered in mud, is seen being successfully rescued with the help of ropes and then walking back into the forest.

Speaking to Newslions, P.Karthik, DFO, Malayattoor, Ernakulam, Kerala, stated that the well was almost 20 feet deep and had 4 feet of water in it. Along with the DFO, Hardik Meena IPS (ASP) and Adheesh R. (Range Forest Officer, RRT) were also part of the rescue operation. An elephant fell into a well at the residence of Vichat Varghese in northern Kottappady, drawing attention from the local community. Residents explained that the elephant, which frequently visited the area, often damaged crops and caused other disruptions. They added that cultivation or digging new wells has become difficult due to the animal’s tusks. The homeowner confirmed that although the well was used for drinking water, he supports the locals’ concerns.

Malayattoor DFO, P. Karthik, reached the site to oversee the rescue operation. However, the local residents were not included in discussions with the DFO, fueling protests. The police and forest department are working together to extract the elephant from the well, with JCB machines deployed to assist.

This neighborhood has repeatedly faced disturbances from wild elephants. Previously, a similar incident occurred when an aggressive elephant fell into a well, prompting authorities to remove it while keeping residents away. Locals now demand that officials ensure the well is restored, adequate compensation is provided, and preventive measures are taken to keep the rescued elephant from returning and causing further damage.