Fri Jul 04 14:23:08 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
This is a news update from The Hindu, dated July 4th, 2025, focusing on a specific incident in the Gudalur Forest Division of Coimbatore, India. Forest officials deployed drones to successfully drive a wild elephant herd back into the forest after they caused panic among residents in the villages of Padanthurai and Kottai Mattam. The intervention averted potential human-elephant conflict. The piece also mentions various regular features published by The Hindu, covering topics like Indian perspectives on world affairs, Karnataka news, cinema, technology, science, data analysis, health, and book reviews.
**News Article:**
**Drones Used to Deter Elephant Herd in Coimbatore Villages**
**COIMBATORE, July 4, 2025** – Forest officials in the Gudalur Forest Division successfully used drones today to chase a wild elephant herd back into the forest, alleviating panic and potential conflict in the villages of Padanthurai and Kottai Mattam.
Residents had been experiencing heightened anxiety as the elephant herd roamed near their homes, particularly at night. Concerned for their safety, they alerted the authorities.
The Forest Department responded swiftly, mobilizing a drone squad from Bengaluru. With the assistance of local staff, the drones were used to guide the elephant herd back into the sanctuary of the forest, effectively averting any further interaction with the human population.
This action highlights the increasing use of technology in wildlife management and conflict resolution efforts in India. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing human development with the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife corridors.
First Piper 