Re-erected fences block elephant passages at Panthadikkalam in Idukki

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.

Officials noted that after the fences were cleared recently, Chakkakompan moved toward the Mathikettan Shola National Park — a route the elephant had not taken in a year and a half. “If the passage is blocked again when the animal returns, it will have no way but to move towards Anayirankal,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the Forest department is preparing to capture and relocate two problematic wild elephants — tusker Chakkakompan and a female elephant named Murivali — from Chinnakkanal.

“The Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) will submit a proposal, and based on that, we will take further steps,” said High Range Circle Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) D.K. Vinod Kumar.

Separately, representatives from local farmers’ groups and merchant associations are scheduled to visit Chinnakkanal on Saturday to interact with farmers and local tribal residents.

Expert panel formed

Rasak Chooravelil, general convener of the Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM), said their team is visiting the area to understand the ground realities faced by local farmers. “We will collect all necessary details and prepare a comprehensive report to submit to the government alongside our recommendations,” he said.

Last week, Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt formed a four-member expert committee to study the root causes of recurring human-elephant conflicts and recommend mitigation measures across Chinnakkanal, Rajakumari, and Santhanpara panchayats under the Devikulam forest range.