Kerala tusker attack: Long pending to restore solar fencing, dig trenches

On December 16, 2024 night, residents gathered at the spot where a man was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Kanachari in Kuttampuzha. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements

Members of the local body said that the assurance given by the district administration that the tension in Urulanthanni of Ernakulam’s Kuttampuja panchayat has ended is at least two years old.

Among the major demands were restoration of solar cables and digging of trenches in the affected areas. About two years ago, in the same Pinabhurkudi ward of the panchayat, after a person was beaten to death in a similar manner, the locals raised such issues.

Panchayat president Kanthi Vellakayan said that the solar fence in the area has deteriorated over the years. Only the remnants of the fence remained in that area, while in some areas it was completely missing. Now it has been assured that the repair of solar fencing will start from this week.

Vinesh Narayanan, a member of Pinabhurkudi Ward, said that since the work of digging the hole was expensive, NABARD was asked and the construction institute allocated the money. On Monday (December 16, 2024) night, it has been proposed to build a trench in 8 km from Valyathuparambu to Anadamkudi, including the part of Kanachari where a person died due to an attack by a wild elephant.

However, the work was delayed because we had to get a consent letter from the private land owner on the route. They were in Kasaragod though they had land here. Also, there was a dispute regarding the distance of the proposed pit from the road. Initially, it was proposed to be 4 meters from the road, but later it was increased to 10 meters,” said Mr. Narayanan.

Street lights non-functional

He said that the street lights in Kanachari area have been off and on for about five months and have automatically broken down in the rain after the sensors were installed. The concerned contractor has been delaying under one or the other excuse. The panchayat is also thinking of taking legal action against him,” said Mr. Narayanan

The 45-year-old Aldos, who died on Monday night after being attacked by a wild elephant while walking on the lighted path of the road surrounded by dense forest, reached the house of Valia Kanchari. There was no light in the area except for the light of the forest office where the deceased boarded the bus before going home. Around 60 families live in Cheirya Knachari and Walia Knachari in Pinabhurkudi ward.

Now a decision has been taken to deploy a rapid response team of the forest department for which Kothmangalam MLA Antony John will buy a vehicle using the funds allocated from his development fund.