State's first crash guard rope fencing in Mananthavady touted as most effective
The ₹10 crore project was materialized by using ₹2 crore from Minister OR Kelu’s infrastructure development fund and the remaining sum from KIFB.
The ₹10 crore project was materialized by using ₹2 crore from Minister OR Kelu’s infrastructure development fund and the remaining sum from KIFB.
The ₹10 crore project was materialized by using ₹2 crore from Minister OR Kelu’s infrastructure development fund and the remaining sum from KIFB.
Kalpetta: The Mananthavady model has been hailed for preventing wildlife attacks by launching various measures, including the installation of crash guard rope fencing. Projects worth over ₹10 crore have been implemented at various places in Mananthavady to fight the wild animals that stray into populated areas. ₹2 crore was allotted from Minister for the Welfare of SC, ST and Backward Classes, OR Kelu’s infrastructure development fund, while KIFB allowed ₹8 crore.
Meanwhile, the installation of the solar hanging fence to prevent wild animal attacks has been completed. The solar hanging fence is installed from Aranappara ration shop to Tholpetti, Muthumari to Chathanad, Olancherry to Kappikandi, Irumbupalam to Kappikandi and Kappikandi Kalindi tribal settlement as well as from Palvelicham to Bavali in Thirunelli panchayat. Besides, solar fencing is also done from Mele Varayal to Tharabayi in Thavinjal panchayat and between Dasanakkara and Koodalkadavu in Panamaram panchayat.
Crash guard rope fencing has been installed using ₹8 crore from KIFB, from Dasanakkara to Neervaram in Panamaram panchayat and Koodalkavu to Palvelicham in Mananthavady municipality. Meanwhile, the installation of solar hanging fence is in the last stage at Thacharakolli – Muthumari, Ambalakandi Randampuzha and Panduranga areas. The solar hanging fence has been completed at Bhargari – Tholpetti region, Payimoola – Bavali check post, 43rd Mile – 44th Mile, Russelkunnu Colony and Tharabai Vivek Estate. Besides, Rs 20 lakh is allotted from the MLA’s infrastructure development fund to purchase vehicles for the forest department’s rapid action force.
The forest department usually installs solar fencing, elephant-proof wall, rail fence, stone-pitched fence and steel fencing in areas close to forest borders to prevent wildlife attacks. However, now, they have mostly been relying on crash guard rope fencing as the above methods were proven ineffective down the years. MLA fund has been allotted in Mananthavady, for the first time in the state, for various projects to prevent wildlife-human clashes.