Encroachment removal begins at Anayirankal dam reservoir in Idukki
A special team led by the Devikulam Subcollector dismantled fences and walls to ensure unobstructed passage for wild elephants.
A special team led by Devikulam Subcollector V.M. Arya started removing illegal encroachments from the Anayirankal dam reservoir catchment areas near Chinnakkanal on Friday, according to The Hindu.
The drive targeted the Vilakku and Muthamma Colony areas, where officials dismantled 1,250 metres of fencing, 75 pillars, and six gates from land occupied by 16 individuals.
District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt recently ordered the removal of these encroachments to mitigate human-animal conflict, as the reservoir serves as a habitat and watering hole for wild elephants.
The action follows the death of a tribal man at the Panthadikkalam tribal settlement on September 23, killed by a wild tusker named Chakkakompan.
While local farmers' groups have criticised the move, officials stated that clearing the fences is essential to prevent further fatal attacks.
A three-member committee including the Devikulam Subcollector, Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saju Varghese, and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Dam Safety Wing executive engineer P.R. Manoj Kumar will oversee the process, which officials say will continue in the coming days.