Tribal farmer killed by wild elephant

Vijayan, a resident of Panthadikkalam, was killed on the morning of September 23 in an attack by a wild elephant known locally as Chakkakompan.

Fences blamed for trapping elephant

Local residents protested, demanding removal of barricades obstructing elephant passages in Panthadikkalam. They said illegal fencing trapped the tusker in the settlement.

Forest department agrees to remove barriers

Following talks between forest officials, tribal residents and people's representatives, the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer signed an agreement to dismantle illegal fencing along migration passages.

Barriers removed, elephant moves on

Once forest officials cleared the barriers, the wild tusker Chakkakompan moved toward Mathikettan Shola National Park. The elephant issue subsided after the removal.

Tribal farmer's primary demand met

C.V. Biju, a local tribal farmer, said fence removal had been their primary demand. He narrowly escaped an attack himself on the day Vijayan was killed.

“Illegal fencing is the main hurdle blocking elephant passage.”

Landowners reinstall fences despite order

Private property owners have reinstalled the barriers, bringing back the threat of elephant attacks. The Collector's order drew criticism from landowners.

Forest department issues notices to landowners

Devikulam Forest Range Officer E.D. Arun Kumar said notices have been issued to fourteen landowners who reinstalled fences. A meeting is scheduled for October twenty-second.