Human-wildlife conflict in Keralam: ordrer for removal of encroachments in catchment areas of Anayirankal dam

The Idukki district administration has initiated a clearance operation for unauthorized encroachments in the catchment areas of the Anayirankal dam, citing the need to protect the habitat of wild elephants. Under the Disaster Management Act, District Collector S. Sathyan issued an order on November 7 directing the immediate removal of structures and constructions in the affected areas.

The catchment area serves as a primary habitat for wild elephants in the Devikulam forest range, and wild elephant attacks have claimed 82 lives and injured 486 people in the Idukki district since 2015. Following an elephant attack on September 23, residents protested the presence of unauthorized fences blocking elephant corridors.

The Collector ordered the removal of these fences to restore natural passages, and a subsequent inspection revealed extensive encroachments, farming, and fencing within the full reservoir level area of the dam. A special team comprising the Devikulam Subcollector, Munnar divisional forest officer, and KSEB executive engineer has been formed to carry out the eviction drive.

All encroachments, including buildings, fences, and agricultural plots, must be cleared immediately, with respective departments held responsible for clearing encroachments on their jurisdictional land. The Devikulam Subcollector will supervise the operation and submit progress reports every two days, while the KSEB engineer will dismantle unauthorized fences and disconnect power lines, water pumps, and irrigation hoses on the encroached reservoir land.

The district police chief has been instructed to provide security during the drive, and the Deputy Collector for land revenue will submit a comprehensive report on the operation.