Idukki Villagers Re-erect Fences, Blocking Elephant Corridors After Fatal Attack
Residents of Panthadikkalam, a tribal settlement near Chinnakkanal in the Devikulam forest range of Idukki district, have re-erected fences that the Forest department had removed last week to facilitate the passage of wild elephants. The fences, which include solar-powered and iron-rope barriers across cardamom plantations, were dismantled following an order by Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt. The directive came after a farmer was killed by a wild elephant named ‘Chakkakompan’ at the Panthadikkalam tribal settlement recently.
Forest officials confirmed that the barriers have been reinstalled, once again blocking traditional elephant routes. A senior official said that six wild elephants were seen 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.
The official noted that after the fences were cleared, Chakkakompan had 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 wild elephants identified as problematic—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 D.K. Vinod Kumar, High Range Circle Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF).
Separately, representatives from local farmers’ groups and merchant associations are scheduled to visit Chinnakkanal on Saturday to interact with farmers and local tribal residents. 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.
Human-elephant conflict is a recurring issue in Idukki district, where agricultural expansion and human settlements have encroached upon traditional elephant habitats. The Devikulam forest range, including Chinnakkanal, is a hotspot for such conflicts, with wild elephants frequently entering cardamom plantations and villages in search of food and water. The recent death of a farmer has intensified fears among local residents, prompting them to rebuild the fences despite the Forest department’s efforts to clear passages.
The re-erection of fences highlights the ongoing tension between local communities and wildlife in the region. Farmers have long complained about crop damage and threats to life from wild elephants, while conservationists stress the need to protect traditional elephant corridors. The expert committee’s findings are awaited as both sides seek a sustainable solution to the conflict.
The Rapid Response Team, comprising trained personnel and veterinary experts, is tasked with managing human-wildlife conflicts. Their presence in Panthadikkalam is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and preventing any escalation. The Forest department has also been trying to balance the safety of local communities with the conservation of elephants, which are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The decision to capture and relocate the two elephants is a significant step, as relocation is often considered a last resort due to the challenges involved. It requires careful planning, including identifying a suitable habitat and ensuring the well-being of the animals. The Munnar DFO’s proposal will be crucial in determining the next course of action.
As the situation remains tense, the visit by farmers’ groups and the ILFM is expected to bring attention to the plight of local communities. The ILFM has been vocal about the issues faced by farmers in Idukki, and their report could influence government policies on human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
The expert committee, formed by the District Collector, is expected to submit its recommendations soon. Its findings will be critical in shaping a long-term strategy to reduce conflicts in the region. For now, residents of Panthadikkalam remain vigilant, hoping for a resolution that ensures both their safety and the survival of the elephants.
