Idukki, 09 Oct (H.S.): The Forest Department has prepared a comprehensive master plan to address recurring wild elephant incursions into residential areas across Idukki’s hill regions, with restoration of traditional elephant corridors forming the first phase of the initiative.

The plan adopts a landscape approach, examining elephant movement across forests, plantations and adjoining settlements to identify obstructions that divert the animals towards inhabited areas.

According to the department’s assessment, unscientific fencing and other barriers erected extensively in plantation areas are among the principal reasons elephants stray into residential neighbourhoods. These structures have blocked routes the animals used for years, forcing them to search for alternative paths through areas occupied by people.

The department has therefore decided to prioritise the complete restoration of traditional movement corridors. Removing unnecessary barriers along these routes is intended to allow elephants to move naturally between forest habitats and reduce encounters with residents.

Officials consider the removal of obstructive fencing in areas including Chinnakanal an encouraging example of how restoring access can influence elephant movement.

Two wild elephants, locally known as Chakkakomban and Murivalan, had previously entered inhabited areas repeatedly, causing fear among residents. After their natural routes became accessible again, the animals began returning voluntarily towards the Mathikettan Shola National Park area, the department said.

It views this change as evidence that reopening established corridors can help reduce elephant incursions into settlements.

The master plan also envisages an advanced monitoring system supported by modern technology to track elephant movements accurately and provide early warnings when animals approach residential areas.

The proposed surveillance arrangement is expected to help forest personnel anticipate incursions and intervene before elephants enter settlements.

By combining corridor restoration with closer monitoring and advance alerts, the department hopes to develop a lasting response to a problem that has repeatedly unsettled communities living across Idukki’s vulnerable hill regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman