Wild elephants are causing concern in Munnar as tourists play loud music and crowd near them. The noise and excitement disturb the animals and threaten safety. Forest officials say several elephants, including Padayappa, a well-known tusker in musth, have been near town for days. On Friday at 1 p.m., a three-elephant herd entered the Munnar-Bodimettu Highway. Tourists rushed to take pictures. Forest staff and police chased the herd into a tea plantation. Later, at 4:45 p.m., Padayappa tried to walk on the busy main road. The Forest department’s Rapid Response Team used firecrackers to send him back safely. RRT head Jayan J. said, "The tusker is in its musth period, and we cannot predict its movements. We had to block the animal’s path to prevent a disaster." Police from Devikulam and Munnar helped a lot. Munnar Range Officer S. Biju warned tourists, "Even as officials tried to clear the elephants, tourists on buses were shouting and dancing. Such actions provoke the wild animals." He urged visitors to avoid camping by roadsides at night due to unpredictable wildlife. The Forest department has started campaigning to educate tourists not to shout or take selfies near wild elephants. Plantation officials reported that tourists in luxury coaches often sing and dance on roads, causing jams and disturbing local workers. G. Sojan, from 'My Munnar Movement,' said, "Enjoyment by tourists should not cause traffic blocks or disturb local wildlife." Authorities continue to ask visitors to respect the environment and keep safety in mind.