waste management experts has put forth a comprehensive plan to address the pressing issue of human-elephant conflict in key areas of the state.
Highlighting the crucial link between unscientific waste management and the persistence of this conflict, the committee’s report underscores the need for immediate action to avert further escalation. Key recommendations include the enforcement of directives to curb illegal activities in Devikulam, Munnar, Santhanpara, and Chinnakanal panchayats, with a specific focus on waste removal from critical locations such as Rajamala, Mattupetty, and Echo Point. The committee advocates for temporary closure of unauthorised shops until waste accumulation is mitigated, emphasising the paramount importance of adopting sustainable waste disposal practices.
Moreover, the report calls for the expeditious installation of solar-powered fencing at the Kallar waste dumping yard and securing the elephant corridor between Anayirankal and Old Devikulam. Urgent voluntary relocation efforts for vulnerable settlements, such as the 301 Acre and 80 Acre colonies, are also recommended to alleviate human-elephant conflict hotspots. Additionally, the committee proposes measures to safeguard wildlife habitats, including the implementation of night traffic bans on internal roads, stringent visitor arrival regulations for tourism establishments, and a comprehensive impact assessment of off-road safari activities. Notably, it highlights the unfulfilled allocation of funds for the construction of elephant corridors, urging authorities to prioritise the allocation of resources towards securing critical wildlife habitats. In essence, the expert panel’s recommendations serve as a blueprint for proactive intervention to mitigate the human-elephant conflict and foster sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife in the region.
