Re-erected fences block elephant passages at Panthadikkalam in Idukki

A solar fence on a cardamom plantation at Panthadikkalam under Devikulam forest range in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The residents of Panthadikkalam area, near Chinnakkanal in Devikulam forest range, have re-erected fences that were removed by the Forest department to facilitate the passage of wild elephants.

According to Forest officials, the department had dismantled solar-powered and iron-rope fencing across cardamom plantations last week following the order of Idukki District Collector. The directive came after a farmer was recently killed by a wild elephant named ‘Chakkakompan’ at the Panthadikkalam tribal settlement.

Forest officials confirmed the re-erection of barriers. A senior official stated that the reinstalled fences have once again blocked traditional routes, resulting in six wild elephants roaming the road leading to the Panthadikkalam settlement on Friday.