The Forest department has initiated the construction of a solar fence at Aralam Farm to prevent wild elephants from straying into human settlements. The fencing is part of an ongoing effort to drive elephants away from the Aralam Farm tribal resettlement area.
The temporary solar fence, spanning four kilometers, is being set up between Paripputhodu and Kottapara along the forest borders within the TRDM limits. So far, three kilometers of fencing have been completed, with electricity already flowing through it. The structure serves as a temporary safeguard until a permanent elephant wall is built, said Vysak Sasi, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).
He said Forest department officials, along with employees from the Aralam and Kannur forest divisions, Rapid Response Team members, and watchers, are working together on the project through voluntary labour. In addition to the solar fence, the government has proposed constructing a hanging fence along the river for added protection. The temporary fence will be dismantled once the elephant wall and hanging fence are completed.
Meanwhile, a five-kilometer fence from Valayanchal to Kotappa River has already been made functional, and night patrol teams have been deployed in three groups for enhanced forest monitoring, the DFO said.
Likewise, under the State government’s 10-point programme to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, efforts have also been undertaken in the Kottiyoor range to ensure water availability for wild animals, Mr. Sasi said.
As part of Mission Food, Fodder, and Water, in the Iritty section of the Kottiyoor range under the Kannur forest division, teams have completed maintenance work on existing waterholes in Thudimaram and Chethupana. The initiative aims to prevent wildlife from straying into human settlements in search of water during the summer.
Published – March 14, 2025 06:58 pm IST
