Travel restriction order will not disrupt normal life, says Idukki Collector amid protests by farmers
Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has clarified that a new directive restricting night movement in forest border areas is an advisory aimed at preventing wildlife attacks, not a general curfew. The order has faced backlash from local farmers and religious groups who argue it infringes on freedom of movement.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the tension between public safety measures in wildlife-human conflict zones and the daily operational needs of local residents.
Amid mounting controversy over an order restricting night time and early morning movement and plantation work in forest border areas in Idukki, District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt on Wednesday said that the directive would not disrupt normal life.
Inspectors of plantations in Munnar, Peerumade, and Udumbanchola were directed to instruct estate owners and labourers to halt all movement and operations inside plantations from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to prevent wild animal attacks, according to the order issued on Monday.
However, the directive has drawn sharp backlash, with farmer organisations and the Syro-Malabar Church’s Idukki diocese demanding its immediate withdrawal, alleging that it restricts the fundamental freedom of movement.
Addressing the restrictions on plantation operations, the Collector, speaking to the media, said that the directive was merely an advisory communicated through plantation inspectors.
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