Dr VS Vijayan: The scientist who fought to conserve the Silent Valley

The Kerala Forest Research Institute in Peechi is celebrating its golden anniversary. Meanwhile, the research studies conducted for the conservation of Silent Valley is a major milestone among the incredible achievements of the iconic institute. The study was held when the government was all set to implement a hydroelectric project in the Silent Valley. Dr VS Vijayan, the chief scientist who conducted the study had also led a historic fight to protect and conserve the incredible flora, fauna and ecology of Silent Valley. 

It was in the 1970s that the government had contemplated developing a hydroelectric project in Silent Valley. Meanwhile, VS Vijayan joined the Kerala Forest Research Institute as a research assistant in 1975. He was just 30 years old then. KFRI which is now a premier institute in Kerala was in its infancy then. Silent Valley was Vijayan’s first research project at the institute. Dr VS Vijayan, accompanied by Dr Balakrishnan, another research assistant soon headed to the ecologically pristine Silent Valley to study about ways to conserve it. 

The research assistants stayed at the temporary office of the KSEB near Silent Valley. The horrific sight of the skin of the Nilgiri langur drying under the sun in front of the office was what welcomed them. Rattled by this sight, Vijayan quickly reported the incident to the higher authorities. So, Vijayan’s tenure there started off on wrong foot. The employees then refused to allow Vijayan and Balakrishnan to stay in the office. The duo was forced to sleep outside the office at night. 

The enraged employees were not ready to leave them alone. They threw water on Vijayan and Balakrishnan who had spread a mat on a bed of dried leaves outside the office, through the window. However, Vijayan and Balakrishnan were not ready to back down. The next day, they raised a tent on the banks of the raging Kuntipuzha River.

They spent around five months in that tent in the dense forests of Silent Valley, studying about the pristine Silent Valley. It was during those days that Vijayan had vowed not to give away Silent Valley for any developmental activities that might hamper its ecologically sensitive nature. 

The lion – tailed macaque was the most important species among the fauna in Silent Valley. It was also the time when this species was almost on the verge of extinction. Lion – tailed macaque cannot survive without trees and foliage. This species would be wiped off the face of earth if trees are felled in huge numbers for the hydro electric project.

Vijayan, through his keen observation, was able to identify 15 groups, each consisting of 20 lion – tailed macaques. He also prepared a detailed report in which he explained the importance of preserving the Silent Valley. 

It was around this time that a group of political leaders and bureaucrats headed to Delhi to seek the final approval to launch the hydroelectric project. Although communication technology wasn’t as developed as the modern times, a telegram that carried a crucial message had already reached the joint secretary by the time the Kerala team reached Delhi. “We are conducting a study about Silent Valley. Please wait for the report’- this was the message in that telegram. This message sent by VS Vijayan prompted the authorities to consider the issue in depth before showing the green flag for the project. CTS Nair, Vijayan’s close friend and a scientist at KFRI, who understood the impact of this decision promptly warned him. He advised Vijayan to be careful as anything could happen now. 

What happened next had been writ in the annals of the history of some of the greatest ecological movements in Kerala. Shastra Sahitya Parishad quickly took up the issue and protests were conducted across the state, drawing the attention of the public. The government put pressure on the authorities of the institute to fire Vijayan. However, Vijayan was unfazed and dismissed getting fired as irrelevant in his fight for justice.

For him, the ecological preservation of Silent Valley was more important than keeping his job. The government even held back the salary of the employees of KFRI for over a year as an act of revenge. 

Despite such difficulties, Dr. Ganapathi who was the then director of the institute supported Vijayan. Meanwhile, the central government sent Dr. MS Swaminathan, a prominent scientist to Silent Valley. He met Vijayan there; they spoke about Silent Valley and the challenges it faced. Soon, Dr MS Swaminathan submitted a report that advised to protect Silent Valley, to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Finally, the prime minister decided to drop the idea of developing a hydroelectric project in Silent Valley. 

Meanwhile, Dr. VS Vijayan who fought valiantly for Silent Valley is now leading a peaceful life at his home in Cherpu. He retired as the chairman of the Kerala Biodiversity Board. Vijayan is also the founder of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History. Meanwhile, he currently serves as the chairman of the Salim Ali Foundation. Vijayan is also writing a book highlighting the significance of sustainable development. Vijayan who hails from Cherayi in Ernakulam district is a well-known ecologist. Famous ornithologist Dr. Lalitha is his wife. In case someone wonders why he hasn’t received any honours or accolades yet for fighting for Silent Valley, Vijayan would reply with a smile that Silent Valley itself is a great achievement.