Two tribal settlements in Vanimel panchayat in Kozhikode district, which are facing wild elephant menace, may soon get solar fences. This is following a visit by District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao to Panniyeri and Kuttallur, the two vulnerable tribal colonies in Vanimel panchayat.
A field survey will be conducted soon by the Forest Department to prepare a plan and estimate. The survey report will be submitted for the consideration of the Divisional Forest officer for final approval.
Based on the Collector’s directives, Vana Samrakshana Samitis too will be formed in the area under the supervision of forest guards to offer better protection to colonies. During the visit of the District Collector, colony residents had alleged that the Forest Department had been cold-shouldering their complaints and ignoring the safety requirements to prevent wild animal menace.
Meanwhile, Forest Department officials said Panniyeri Colony had the protection of solar fences, but they got damaged because of improper maintenance. Local caretakers entrusted with the work were overlooking it after the installation works, they claimed.
Responding to similar incidents of wild elephant attacks in Valayam and Chekiyad panchayats, the Forest Department had decided to erect solar fences in the most vulnerable areas. However, the project, which was approved last year, was not implemented reportedly because of the shortage of Plan fund. Panchayat authorities said they had again taken up the matter with the Forest Department for immediate consideration.
Farmers who were badly hit by wild elephant menace in Kanthaladu and Thalayad panchayats had even approached the Human Rights Commission seeking action against the Forest Department. They had also secured a favourable order from the rights panel for the speedy installation of solar fences in the affected areas. Farm organisation leaders in the area said the work was not completed as demanded even after the intervention of the rights panel.
