Forest dept. all set to build elephant crossings on Gap Road in Idukki

The Keralam Forest department has decided to construct elephant passages along the Munnar–Bodimettu section of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85) to facilitate safe movement of elephants and wild animals.

Under the proposed plan, three elephant underpasses, designated crossing ramps, hume-pipe culverts, and an animal over-bridge on the Gap Road section of the highway will be developed.

D.K. Vinod Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), High Range Circle, said, “The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already sanctioned and disbursed funds, and the Forest department will commence execution of the project without delay.”

NHAI officials said that the agency has transferred ₹6.96 crore for the project. However, work on the ground is yet to take off.

Additionally, the proposal outlines short-term mitigation and conflict-monitoring measures. These include upgrading Rapid Response Teams (RRT) with dedicated vehicles and equipment, deploying an SMS-based alert system, installing solar fencing, setting up informational signboards and street lighting, clearing vista lines along the road corridors, and engaging local watchers and trackers.

Panel report

Meanwhile, an expert panel is likely to submit a report recommending the construction of elephant crossings along the section.

Wild elephants from the Anayirankal and Chinnakkanal regions frequently cross the highway to reach Mathikettan Shola National Park. “Following the reconstruction of the highway, steep embankments and deep slopes have prevented elephants from crossing the road. This severely obstructs their natural movement. Constructing animal overpasses and underpasses along this stretch will ensure their unhindered passage,” a senior official said.

“The grasslands in Mathikettan provide critical food security for wild elephants. Ensuring seamless movement across the highway will significantly reduce human-elephant conflict in the area,” a source added.

The expert committee includes P.S. Easa, former director of the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and member of the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group; Rajan Pilakandy, scientist at KFRI; Jomy Augustine, former head of the department of Botany at St. Thomas College, Pala; and Murukesan, a tribal representative from Enpathu Acre in Chinnakkanal. Officials said that the panel has concluded its field assessment and will submit its final report shortly.