Farmers in Puthiyapalam in Idukki join hands to keep crop-raiding elephants
at bay
The Hindu
July 14, 2024
Farmers in a forest border village in Idukki have found a way to keep
marauding elephants away from farmlands.
People of Puthiyapalam in the Lebbakkada ward of Kanchiyar grama panchayat
have had sleepless nights after wild elephants from the nearby teak
plantation under the Idukki wildlife sanctuary have been raiding the
agricultural lands for the past several months. The residents then
approached the panchayat and the Forest department to reconstruct the
trench, made over 40 years ago. However, the panchayat and forest
authorities refused to assist them due to lack of sufficient funds.
Sandhya Jayan, ward member of Labbakkada, explained how the people joined
hands to prevent the wild elephant attacks. “ At a meeting of the local
people called to discuss the issue, farmers suggested reconstructing the
old trench by collecting a joint fund. We received ₹92,000 at the meeting,
which gave us confidence. We collected ₹4 lakh within days and dug the
trench,” said Ms. Jayan.
“For the construction of the trench, we formed a WhatsApp group, named Save
Farmers, and posted timely updates. People, including senior citizens, were
in the forefront of the trench construction. The Forest department
officials supported the initiative,” she said.
The 18-foot deep and 12-foot wide trench was constructed from Puthiyapalam
to Kavadikkavala. The trench will benefit 230 families.
“Mainly a tuskless elephant used to raid the farmland. After completing
the trench, the wild elephant almost stopped visiting the area. To
completely prevent wild elephant attacks, we need to construct another
800-meter trench. We have already sought permission from the Forest
department for it,” said Ms. Jayan.
Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer N. Rajesh said that the Forest
department had permitted the re-digging of the trench in the Ayyappancoil
range. “I will visit the area and inspect whether the 800-m trench can be
allowed,” said Mr. Rajesh.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/farmers-in-puthiyapalam-in-idukki-join-hands-to-keep-crop-raiding-elephants-at-bay/article68403375.ece
Farmers in Puthiyapalam in Idukki join hands to keep crop-raiding elephants
at bay
The Hindu
July 14, 2024
Farmers in a forest border village in Idukki have found a way to keep
marauding elephants away from farmlands.
People of Puthiyapalam in the Lebbakkada ward of Kanchiyar grama panchayat
have had sleepless nights after wild elephants from the nearby teak
plantation under the Idukki wildlife sanctuary have been raiding the
agricultural lands for the past several months. The residents then
approached the panchayat and the Forest department to reconstruct the
trench, made over 40 years ago. However, the panchayat and forest
authorities refused to assist them due to lack of sufficient funds.
Sandhya Jayan, ward member of Labbakkada, explained how the people joined
hands to prevent the wild elephant attacks. “ At a meeting of the local
people called to discuss the issue, farmers suggested reconstructing the
old trench by collecting a joint fund. We received ₹92,000 at the meeting,
which gave us confidence. We collected ₹4 lakh within days and dug the
trench,” said Ms. Jayan.
“For the construction of the trench, we formed a WhatsApp group, named Save
Farmers, and posted timely updates. People, including senior citizens, were
in the forefront of the trench construction. The Forest department
officials supported the initiative,” she said.
The 18-foot deep and 12-foot wide trench was constructed from Puthiyapalam
to Kavadikkavala. The trench will benefit 230 families.
“Mainly a tuskless elephant used to raid the farmland. After completing
the trench, the wild elephant almost stopped visiting the area. To
completely prevent wild elephant attacks, we need to construct another
800-meter trench. We have already sought permission from the Forest
department for it,” said Ms. Jayan.
Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer N. Rajesh said that the Forest
department had permitted the re-digging of the trench in the Ayyappancoil
range. “I will visit the area and inspect whether the 800-m trench can be
allowed,” said Mr. Rajesh.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/farmers-in-puthiyapalam-in-idukki-join-hands-to-keep-crop-raiding-elephants-at-bay/article68403375.ece
