Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council panel demands withdrawal of Idukki Collector’s order on wildlife corridors

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s (KCBC) Jagratha Commission has demanded the withdrawal of an order issued by the Idukki District Collector directing the removal of illegal fences obstructing wildlife corridors.

In a statement issued on Friday (September 25, 2026), the Church forum alleged that the move could violate the constitutional rights of people living in the high-range areas.

In a statement, the commission said the order, issued under the Disaster Management Act, had caused widespread concern among residents of Keralam’s high-range regions.

“The order, which could pave way for the Forest department to encroach on human settlements and displace poor rural residents, should be withdrawn,” the KCBC panel said.