Re-erected fences block elephant passages at Panthadikkalam in Idukki
Residents in Idukki have re-erected fences that were previously removed by the Forest Department to allow for elephant migration. The move has blocked traditional wildlife corridors, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and prompting the Forest Department to plan the relocation of problematic elephants.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the ongoing tension between human agricultural interests and wildlife conservation efforts in sensitive ecological zones.
The residents of Panthadikkalam area, near Chinnakkanal in Devikulam forest range, have re-erected fences that were removed by the Forest department to facilitate the passage of wild elephants.
According to Forest officials, the department had dismantled solar-powered and iron-rope fencing across cardamom plantations last week following the order of Idukki District Collector. The directive came after a farmer was recently killed by a wild elephant named ‘Chakkakompan’ at the Panthadikkalam tribal settlement.
Forest officials confirmed the re-erection of barriers. A senior official stated that the reinstalled fences have once again blocked traditional routes, resulting in six wild elephants roaming the road leading to the Panthadikkalam settlement on Friday.
“A Rapid Response Team (RRT) is currently camping in the area to prevent any untoward incidents,” the official said.
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