Kottayam: The Adimaly Panchayat has decided to install a 15-kilometer-long solar fence to protect crops from wild animals while ensuring human safety. This marks the first time in the state where a panchayat is attaining a safety circle in a 500-acre area adjacent to forest land. A budget of ₹50 lakh has been allocated for the project. Recognising its importance, the government has completely expelled the beneficiary share and extended support to the panchayat.

Over the past three years, more than 30 hectares of land have been left fallow due to the wildlife nuances, leading to a decline in farmers' income. This prompted authorities to consider a permanent solution. Out of the 21 wards in the panchayat, 11 are severely affected by elephant intrusions. Tribal settlements in Kurathi, Pattayidamb, Kalaman, Padikkappu, Korangatti, Pettimudi, Chattupara, and Kanjiraveli frequently face such issues. With elephants destroy crops, farmers have lost interest in agriculture, says Agricultural Officer M.A. Siji. 

On March 4, 2024, a woman was killed by an elephant in the 20th ward of Kanjiraveli. Several solutions were put forward to control wildlife intrusions, but the solar fence was deemed the most effective. The panchayat decided to allocate ₹50 lakh from the development fund for this purpose. Though this might temporarily halt development activities in various wards, all panchayat members unanimously agreed to prioritise public safety. The project will benefit 4,000 farmers, including 200 from Scheduled Castes, 2,600 from Scheduled Tribes, and 1,200 from the general category.

Understanding that many beneficiaries could not afford to pay 50% of the project cost, Panchayat President Soumya Anil, Vice President Anas Ibrahim, and the Agricultural Officer convinced Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh to waive the beneficiary share. The state coordination committee, chaired by the minister, approved the panchayat’s full financial responsibility.

The fence will be constructed on forest department land by following the guidelines prescribed by the forest department. Decisions on execution and cost estimation will be made in collaboration with the forest department, which will also contribute funds. However, as delays are expected in receiving forest department funds, it has been decided to utilise the People's Planning Fund for immediate implementation.

The solar fence will enclose areas where elephants are entering frequently or are likely to enter, Range Officer K.S. Shinoj said. Additionally, gates will be installed at necessary locations to regulate movement.