Forest dept & villagers build fence to keep elephants out
Authorities proposed the participatory fencing initiative in an area that had seen severe elephant intrusions in recent months. They acted after realizing that the crash guard fencing project, already sanctioned by the state govt, would take months to complete. Work on a permanent fence was also halted due to the monsoon.
South Wayanad divisional forest officer Ajith K Raman said that under the participatory initiative, forest department provided the fencing materials, battery and energizing unit while residents carried out the work by contributing labour.
As there was no labour cost, the department completed the fencing with just the material cost of Rs 50,000.
In the first phase, a 1.5km temporary fence was built from Kakkodan block to Manalvayal. Encouraged by its success, the project was extended in the second phase with another 1km of fencing from Manalvayal to Neikkuppa. Now, the third phase — a 2km stretch connecting Neikkuppa to Pathramoola — has also been completed.
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Residents of Manalvayal, Pathramoola, Chenchadi, Changalamoola, Neikkuppa and Kakkodan Block are expected to benefit from the fencing. Forest department and the local community will jointly maintain the temporary structure.
Farmers and residents from Kakkodan Block, Neikkuppa and Pathramoola — areas badly affected by wildlife intrusion — took the lead in completing the fencing work with support from Neikkuppa Forest Protection Committee.
Villages along this forest border have faced regular attacks by wild elephants, leading to the destruction of crops, vehicles and buildings. Over 40 farmers and residents took part in the effort. They were joined by Chedalath range officer MK Rajeev Kumar, deputy range officer A Nijeesh, staff from the Pulpally station and forest watchers.
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