A new initiative is being launched to transform forest areas under the forest department into eco-friendly environments. The project will initially be implemented in Konni, focusing on the Mundumuzhi and Kummanur Adichanpara forest areas within the Adavi Eco Tourism Centre, part of the Konni range. 

This move follows concerns that the existing facilities at the Konni Elephant Sanctuary, located within a one-kilometre radius, are insufficient.

Also Read

placeholder

No crematoriums for pets: Kerala's animal lovers voice concern

placeholder

FIR was registered against Oommen Chandy; how did it end? Minister’s justification on Ranjith issue

placeholder

Both Ranjith and Saji Cherian should resign from their posts: VD Satheesan

The Mundumuzhi forest spans 300 hectares and currently features attractions such as Adavi Coracle riding and bamboo huts. The plan proposes acquiring additional land along the Kallar River within the Mundumuzhi forest to establish a new elephant rehabilitation camp. The Kummanur forest area, which covers 450 hectares, is also being considered as a potential site for this rehabilitation centre.

According to DFO Ayush Kumar Kori, senior officials from the forest department have already conducted inspections of both locations. The existing Konni Elephant Sanctuary, which occupies just two and a half hectares, offers limited training and exercise opportunities for the elephants. The expansion of the eco-tourism project has further reduced the available open space due to the construction of new buildings.

Currently, there are five elephants housed at the Konni Elephant Sanctuary, a facility with a history spanning over 200 years. In the past, elephants were regularly captured from the wild and trained here, but with the end of elephant poaching, the enclosures have largely remained vacant.

The prolonged confinement and limited movement of elephants in captivity can have adverse effects on their overall health and well-being. Recently, an elephant named Kodanad Neelakandan at the sanctuary collapsed due to 'Erandakettu,' a form of indigestion caused by long periods of standing and lack of sufficient exercise. Following this incident, the elephants' daily routines were adjusted to include regular road walks and logging activities to ensure they received adequate exercise and care.