Edakkara: Cutting bamboo in Nadukaani Churam (ghat) is a high-stakes operation that calls for skill, courage and experience. As skilled labour is no longer available locally, teams from Salem, often accompanied by their families, are now being brought in to tackle the groves on the ghat road.

Climbing up to 25 metres, these workers hack and sort bamboo across several hectares of land into sections, while also keeping a wary eye on the forest around them. The ongoing bamboo cutting operation along the Churam Road for the past month is being carried out by a group of 15 workers led by Mooppan Mani from Salem. These workers have arrived with their families.

According to Mooppan Mani, bamboo cutting in forest areas is no longer easy. Mani explained that they must remain alert to the threat of wildlife. Herds of elephants have created terrifying situations multiple times during the cutting operations along the ghat road. Workers retreat to safety as soon as they get the scent of elephants, Mani said. Selvaraj, a native of Salem who came to cut bamboo in the forest region of Nadukaanichuram, was killed by a wild tusker six years ago.

A bamboo grove spanning 20 metres on either side of the stretch between Pothumkuzhi and Ambalamukku along Churam Road is currently being cleared. The decision was made following frequent traffic disruptions caused by dried bamboo groves collapsing onto the road. Permission has been granted to cut down 300 tonnes of bamboo.