Idukki Collector orders removal of unauthorised barriers obstructing wildlife movement
The Idukki District Collector has ordered the removal of unauthorized fences and barriers that obstruct wildlife corridors to prevent animal attacks. Local farmers and religious groups are protesting the move, arguing that the barriers are essential for protecting human life and property from wild animals.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing conflict between wildlife conservation efforts and the safety and economic interests of human communities living near forest boundaries.
Amid a rise in fatal wild animal attacks across Idukki district in Kerala, District Collector Dinesan Cheruvattu has ordered the removal of illegal fences obstructing wildlife corridors.
According to the order, the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) must identify unauthorised barriers and initiate necessary action. It directed the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD), Revenue, Forest, and Survey departments to locate and demolish fences, walls, and structures built without clearance along forest boundaries.
The order stated: “Devikulam Sub-Collector, Munnar DFO, LSGD Joint Director, and Deputy Director of Survey have been deputed to remove structures obstructing wildlife movement.”
Following the directive, forest officials on Thursday began removing illegally installed solar fences at Panthadikkalam under the Devikulam forest range.
However, the directive has drawn sharp backlash from farmer groups and the Idukki Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, both demanding its immediate withdrawal.
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