Forest officials dismantle illegal fences after tribal farmer killed by elephant

The Keralam Forest Department removed illegal fences and iron bars blocking elephant corridors in Chinnakkanal after tribal protests sparked by the death of a farmer.

What Happened

Vijayan, a tribal resident of Panthadikkalam, was killed on the morning of September 23 when a wild elephant called Chakkakompan attacked him. The attack prompted protests demanding the removal of barricades that trapped elephants in the settlement. In talks that included forest officials, tribal residents and people’s representatives, the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer signed an agreement and the Idukki District Collector ordered the demolition of the fences.

Reaction

Tribal farmer C.V. Biju said the fences were the main obstacle to elephant movement and that he narrowly escaped an attack on the same day. He met the District Collector in person and pressed for removal. After the barriers were cleared, the elephant moved toward Mathikettan Shola National Park and attacks subsided, but private landowners later reinstalled the fences, renewing the threat. Devikulam Forest Range Officer E.D. Arun Kumar issued notices to 14 landowners and scheduled a meeting on October 22 to address the issue. The forest department has also submitted a report to the Devikulam Sub‑collector urging the revenue department to clear illegal encroachments.

Context

Elephant corridors in Kerala’s forest ranges are essential for seasonal migration, and illegal fencing often forces animals into human settlements, raising the risk of fatal encounters.