‘Operation Gajamukthi’ at Aralam Farm to enter next phase from Dec. 23

The Forest department will launch the next phase of ‘Operation Gajamukthi’ on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) to safely drive wild elephants that have strayed into Aralam farm and nearby rehabilitation areas back into their natural habitat within the wildlife sanctuary.

The two-day intensive driving operation, scheduled to continue till December 24, 2025, will be carried out under the leadership of the Forest department with coordinated support from various government departments. Officials said the mission has been planned with full preparedness, extensive arrangements, and complete inter-departmental cooperation, and would be implemented strictly as per the Forest department’s standard operating procedure. Similar operations have been carried out earlier at regular intervals based on necessity.

As part of the operation, advanced drones and camera traps will be used to accurately track both elephant herds and lone elephants within the farm area. The Kottiyoor Range Officer and the Aralam Assistant Wildlife Warden will function as incident commanders, while two special driving teams have been deployed for the task.

Based on real-time monitoring through drones and camera traps, the driving operation will begin after 10 a.m. Traffic restrictions will be enforced at Palappuzha, Odanthode bridge, Odanthode school Junction, Block 6 check post, Thalippara Junction, and Block 13 Junction during the operation.

The comprehensive action plan is being implemented with the coordinated support of the local self-government institutions, Health department, Revenue department, and the Aralam Farm Corporation. Special teams have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents in the rehabilitation areas and to conduct awareness programmes. Night patrol will be intensified in vulnerable areas, including Pookund, where elephants may attempt to return after the operation.

The mission is being overseen by an organising committee chaired by the Sub-Collector, with the Divisional Forest Officer serving as the general convener.