Kattery Dam fence blocks wildlife water access, raises conflict fears in Nilgiris
A recently installed perimeter fence around the Kattery Dam near Ketti Palada in the Nilgiris is blocking wildlife from accessing a vital water source, raising concerns among local residents about increased human-animal conflict.
The dam, comprising two reservoirs built over a century ago, previously had no barriers. Residents say the reservoirs had become crucial watering holes for gaur, sambar deer, porcupines, sloth bears, and leopards that frequent the area.
Resident S. Mani noted that the Kattery stream, which flows through the Ketti valley, is now surrounded by farmlands. The dam had become a safe gathering area for wildlife away from human settlements. “While gaur are now regularly seen inside human settlements, other wildlife are more closely seen near the dam,” he said. Since the fence was erected, wildlife is more commonly spotted on roads, posing risks to motorists and residents.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added that wildlife used to cross quickly from tea estates into the dam area. “However, they now have to find a new route to cross, and this could potentially cause increased risk of negative human-animal interactions.”
Independent wildlife researcher N. Moinudheen from the Nilgiris said such large fences definitely impact wildlife. “They pose a significant risk, especially for species like the gaur, which are known to try and vault over high fences, leading to them getting stuck, sustaining serious injuries, or even losing their lives,” he explained.
Moinudheen recommended that large water bodies in human-animal interface areas should be maintained to facilitate wildlife movement. “Even where fences are necessary, established methods exist to set up fences that cause minimal disturbance to wildlife.”
Forest Department officials stated that the dam is maintained by the Indian Army as it supplies water to the Cordite factory in Aravankadu. They said they would investigate the issue and seek remedial measures to minimise the fence's impact on wildlife. Repeated attempts to reach Nilgiris Divisional Forest Officer Kashyap Shashank Ravi for comment were unsuccessful.
