Forest department to submit report to Subcollector on fence reinstallation in Keralam’s Idukki

The Forest department has decided to submit a detailed report on the reinstallation of fences across elephant passages on farmlands within the Devikulam forest range in Idukki.

Forest department officers had recently removed wire ropes and solar electric fencing from cardamom plantations in the Panthadikkalam and Choondal areas to facilitate the free movement of wild elephants. However, landowners re-erected the barriers within days.

High Range Circle Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) D. K. Vinod Kumar has directed the Devikulam Range Officer to submit a report on the matter to the Devikulam Subcollector.

On Collector’s order

“The department removed the fences from revenue land following a directive from the District Collector and sustained demands by tribal communities. However, the landowners reinstalled the barriers, once again obstructing elephant movement. We will determine further action based on instructions from the Collector,” the CCF said.

The officers added that the department’s recent drive to clear encroachments on proposed reserve forestland at Choondal, near Anayirankal, had successfully reopened a traditional migratory route for wild elephants in the region.

Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt had issued an order under the Disaster Management Act (DDMA) to dismantle fences blocking elephant paths after a tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack at the Panthadikkalam settlement, near Chinnakkanal. Following the incident, residents lodged a complaint with the Collector, alleging that private fences erected by local plantation owners diverted elephants into human settlements, sharply escalating human–wildlife conflict.

Visits Chinnakkanal

Meanwhile, representatives from various farmers’ groups visited residential areas in Chinnakkanal to interact with affected residents.

According to Idukki Land Freedom Movement general convener Rasak Chooravelil, the delegation visited B. L. Ram, Singukandam, Panthadikkalam, 301 Colony, and Suryanelli areas.

“We have gathered details regarding the ground realities in these conflict-hit areas and plan to submit a detailed memorandum to the State government, seeking coordinated intervention by the Revenue and Forest Ministers to arrive at a permanent solution,” Mr. Chooravelil said.