The Forest Department is constructing rock walls in the villages bordering the forest to thwart man-animal conflict. C V Rajan, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Nilambur South, informed that Rs 75 lakh has been allocated for the project, being implemented at Chokkod colony in the Kalikavu range.
A 7.5-kilometre solar power fencing has been built at Chenappadi, Parayanmedu, Uchamkulam and Cheenkallu areas spending Rs 8 lakh. It was constructed using the project elephant fund. Besides, an eight-kilometre solar power fencing was renovated using the fund. The Forest Department is planning to construct more such fences depending on the availability of funds.
A sum of Rs 12.11 lakh was distributed to the dependents of those who were killed and injured and those who incurred agriculture losses by straying of wild animals. The Forest Department has also implemented many other projects for the development of the villages bordering forests.
Elephant trenches were dug at Vaniyampuzha and Iruttukuthy adivasi colonies spending Rs 1.37 lakh. A rapid response team is functioning in the area to save the property and lives of the people from the attack of wild animals.