Illegal fencing being removed in Idukki to restore elephant corridors
I dukki: The forest department has begun removing illegal fencing erected in the Chinnakanal and 301 Colony areas, where recurring wild elephant attacks have raised serious concerns. The forest department, in coordination with the revenue department and local bodies, will carry out a detailed inspection of resorts and other buildings in Chinnakanal and 301 Colony. The department plans to strengthen surveillance in Chinnakanal and 301 Colony and identify and protect elephant movement routes.
The forest department has said the increase in human habitation and tourism activities in the Chinnakanal-Suryanelli region has placed growing pressure on the natural movement areas of elephants. Habitat fragmentation and encroachment into elephant corridors are among the factors contributing to human-elephant conflict, according to officials. Officials said the action against illegal resorts and constructions is part of a long-term strategy to address the factors contributing to human-wildlife conflict.
Illegal fencing at eight locations, including resorts, has been dismantled as part of the drive to restore elephant corridors and natural wildlife movement routes. The action comes amid growing human-wildlife conflicts in the Chinnakanal-Suryanelli region, where frequent elephant presence has recently resulted in loss of human lives and residents’ calls to remove illegal constructions and fencing that allegedly obstruct wildlife movement. Establishments operating without required permissions, buildings constructed on forest land or restricted areas, and structures obstructing elephant corridors and wildlife movement routes will be examined. Action will be initiated under the relevant laws against establishments found violating regulations. The department will also proceed with steps to demolish illegal structures after completing the required procedures.
Illegal solar-powered electric fences erected along the route used by elephant herds to cross National Highway 85 from the Mathikettan area towards Chinnakanal were also dismantled. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
A detailed report on the action will be submitted to the Munnar divisional forest officer, Chinnakanal village officer and Idukki district collector, range forest officer E D Arun Kumar said. Following an order by the Idukki district collector, the forest department has also begun restoring elephant corridors around the Pantadikkalam tribal settlement by removing illegal fencing and electric fences allegedly erected after large estates encroached on govt land and cultivated cardamom without valid documents. The action followed complaints that the closure of traditional elephant routes had forced wild elephants towards the settlement, posing a threat to residents. The tribal settlement’s Mooppan and locals had raised the issue before forest department officials, including the Munnar DFO, at an all-party meeting. The operation was carried out by forest personnel from the Bodimettu, Ponmudi and Chinnakanal sections under the leadership of Munnar and Chinnakanal rapid response team (RRT) deputy range forest officers Jayan J and Sreekanth, respectively. Anayirankal boating project A joint field inspection will be conducted to assess the possibility of resuming boating services operated by the hydel tourism department at Anayirankal reservoir. The inspection will be conducted under the leadership of the Devikulam sub-collector, with officials from the forest, survey and LSG departments taking part. The district development committee has directed the officials to submit a report within three weeks. The boating project was suspended after the forest department identified the area as an elephant movement corridor. A special meeting chaired by Udumbanchola MLA Senapathy Venu will also be convened to discuss the issue. Govt land to be examined for quarrying The district administration will intensify efforts to identify suitable govt-owned puramboke land for quarrying, in view of the shortage of construction materials such as rock, sand and M-sand in the district. A team comprising geologists and revenue department officials will conduct feasibility studies at locations already identified and submit a report within three weeks. Download the TOI App.