Illegal fencing being removed in Idukki to restore elephant corridors
The move followed growing concern in the region after Vijayan Puthenpuraykkal, a resident of Panthadikkalam, was killed in an elephant attack involving Chakkakompan on Sept 23. The forest department said the corridor, which had remained blocked for a long period due to encroachments, cardamom cultivation and fences installed around agricultural holdings, was now accessible to elephants again.
Forest officers said uninterrupted access to their traditional movement routes would enable elephants to move towards forest areas and grasslands in search of food and water instead of being forced to take alternative routes through human-dominated areas. Forest officers said restoring natural movement corridors was an important component of efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Idukki : A traditional elephant corridor connecting Chinnakanal with the Mathikettan region has been reopened following the removal of obstructions, including unauthorised fencing and solar fencing erected along the route. The restoration of the traditional route assumes significance amid increasing instances of elephants entering human settlements and roads in the Chinnakanal-Mathikettan landscape. The incident triggered protests and renewed discussions on measures to reduce human-elephant conflict in the region. During a meeting involving senior forest, revenue and police officials and residents of the Unnathi area, residents and panchayat authorities strongly demanded the removal of unauthorised fences and solar fencing obstructing elephant movement. Following the discussions, unauthorised fences erected around large estates in the area were removed. An electric solar fence allegedly installed after encroaching upon revenue land around was also dismantled. Officials clarified that fences on legally held patta land were not affected by the drive. After the removal of the solar fence, Chakkakompan was able to travel towards Mathikettan area, reportedly using the traditional route after a long gap. Blocking traditional elephant routes can alter animal movement patterns and increase the possibility of elephants entering roads, plantations and settlements.
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This is a success of the measures being implemented by the forest department as part of efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict,” said Munnar forest range officer E D Arun Kumar. “The corridor is now in a condition that allows elephants to use it again. The forest department is expected to continue monitoring elephant movement in the Chinnakanal-Mathikettan landscape following the reopening of the corridor. Download the TOI App.