Idukki to Resume Removal of Illegal Fences Blocking Elephant Corridors
Idukki district administration will resume dismantling illegal fences obstructing elephant corridors, even as farmers' groups and church leaders demand the order be withdrawn.
The Idukki district administration is set to resume the dismantling of unauthorised fences and other structures that obstruct wildlife movement, particularly along elephant corridors. District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has issued orders for the removal of these encroachments.
The move has drawn opposition from farmers' groups and church leaders, who have demanded that the order be withdrawn. Their concern centres on the impact such action could have on agricultural land and livelihoods in the district.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought to address these apprehensions, stating that genuine farmers will not face any trouble. He clarified that only fences erected on encroached land will be cleared, drawing a distinction between lawful agricultural holdings and illegal structures.
The administration's action is aimed at restoring connectivity for elephants and other wildlife that use the corridors, which have been fragmented by unauthorised fencing. The resumption of the drive signals a renewed push to clear obstructions despite the political and community pressure against it.