The Kerala Forest department will launch a special drive in the Athirappilly region to track and drive back rogue elephants identified as a threat to human settlements, State Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John has announced.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister at the PWD resthouse in Chalakudy to review measures for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the Chalakudy-Vazhachal forest belt.
“Two elephants identified as posing a threat in Athirappilly will be driven deep into the forest,” the minister said, adding that the operation will be supported by intensified ground action and drone-based surveillance where necessary.
As part of immediate preventive measures, the undergrowth along PWD and panchayat roads passing through forest areas will be cleared. “In areas with existing fencing, up to 20 metres of clearance will be ensured along forest borders to improve visibility and safety,” he said.
The Minister also outlined a multi-layered protection strategy in high-risk zones, including the deployment of AI-based tools, hanging solar fencing and trench fencing. Maintenance of these systems will be jointly undertaken by local bodies and the Forest department.
“Public vigilance committees will be strengthened, and local participation will be key to managing the situation effectively,” he added.
Addressing compensation concerns, the Minister said the government would revise relief amounts for losses caused by wildlife attacks in line with current realities. “Steps are being initiated to update compensation to make it more timely and adequate,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister visited the house of Mohanan Pullarkat, who was killed in a recent elephant attack in the Vaissey area of Athirappilly, and handed over an immediate financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family.
The meeting also decided to ensure round-the-clock availability of the 108 ambulance service in the forest areas and to prepare integrated mitigation plans involving MPs, MLAs, panchayats and the Forest department.
In a long-term approach, more tribal people will be recruited into forest protection forces, and studies will be conducted to assess whether the growth in wildlife population, particularly elephants, is affecting food availability within Kerala’s forest ecosystems.
The Minister said the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, will be tasked with studying the carrying capacity for elephants in the State.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, MP Benny Behanan, MLA Sanish Kumar Joseph, district collectors and senior officials from forest, police and other departments, along with public representatives and farmer leaders, attended the meeting.
Published - June 02, 2026 12:43 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
