Idukki (Keralam), Sep 25 (PTI) Keralam Minister Shibu Baby John on Friday said the government would take action to remove resorts located on elephant corridors in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions as part of efforts to find a permanent solution to human-animal conflict in the district.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the District Collector and officials from various agencies to discuss measures to reduce human-animal conflict here, John said strong decisions would be taken in the coming days.
Clarifying concerns over the District Collector’s order on the removal of fences and walls obstructing elephant corridors, the minister said the order applied specifically to fences erected on illegally encroached land in the Chinnakanal area and did not mean that legally established structures across Idukki would be removed.
“There is no need for concern on that matter. However, everyone must cooperate to resolve this issue,” the state Forest minister said.
On concerns raised by the Idukki Diocese and the CPI(M) over the order, John said the diocese’s concerns could be addressed, but criticised the CPI(M)’s opposition to the removal of illegal encroachments and fences obstructing elephant movement.
“It is difficult to make CPI(M) understand the matter more than the elephant. Shouldn’t everyone feel that this recurring tragedy must come to an end?” he said.
John said the government had received information that several large resorts were located directly on elephant corridors and that action would be taken against them in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
“The Forest Department and the Collector will issue notices for this,” he said.
He appealed to people to cooperate with efforts to guide elephants back to their natural habitats, pointing out that elephants had been entering human settlements for years and creating dangerous situations.
Asked about the possibility of relocating elephants that endanger human lives from the area, John said the government was looking for a permanent solution and would take strong decisions regarding elephants repeatedly involved in such incidents.
“We will proceed after examining the legal aspects. If necessary, elephants that need to be relocated will certainly be relocated; there is no dispute about that,” he said.
On the High Court’s directions in connection with the issue, the minister said several measures under its observation were being implemented and progressing as expected. PTI TBA SSK
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