Anayirankal Dam eviction drive: 1,250 metres of encroached fencing removed in Idukki

Thodupuzha: Authorities have begun removing encroachments from the buffer zone of Kerala's Anayirankal Dam in Idukki district, with 1,250 metres of fencing dismantled in the first phase of the operation to restore wildlife movement corridors and reduce human-animal conflict.

The eviction drive, led by Devikulam Sub-Collector V.M. Arya, began on Friday morning. The first stretch cleared was land close to the dam where 16 people had allegedly encroached on property owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and cultivated cardamom.

The fences and other structures in the area were found to obstruct the movement of wild animals, including elephants. As part of the operation, officials removed 75 fence posts and six gates along the 1,250-metre stretch.

The drive will continue over the coming days. Idukki District Collector Dr Dinesan Cheruvat visited the area on Friday evening to review the situation.

The operation is aimed at protecting natural wildlife corridors and reducing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The District Disaster Management Authority had directed officials to remove unauthorised electric fences, solar-powered fences, walls and other structures within the dam's buffer zone, following the prescribed legal procedures.

A three-member committee was constituted under the leadership of the Devikulam Sub-Collector to oversee the operation. The Munnar Divisional Forest Officer and a KSEB Executive Engineer are the other members.

The eviction is being carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Forest Department, KSEB's Dam Safety wing and the police.

Land with government-issued titles to be exempted

Clarifying the scope of the operation, District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat said boundaries, walls, fences and other structures on land for which the government had issued land titles over the years would not be removed.

Authorities will also take steps to restore the area's natural vegetation after clearing the encroachments.

The Devikulam Sub-Collector will monitor the progress of the eviction drive and submit a report to the District Collector.