Munnar: After the trial flight of the seaplane on Monday as part of a Ministry of Civil Aviation initiative, the forest department has raised concerns over the impact of the project on local wildlife. The department expressed their issues during a joint inspection at the Mattupetty reservoir.

The top officials from the forest department pointed out that the reservoir is part of an elephant corridor. Elephants often cross the dam to reach the nearby Echo Point. The department stated that the operation of a seaplane service could disrupt the natural movements of these and other wild animals, who also come to the reservoir to drink water. There are concerns that the aircraft landing may provoke the animals. 

In response to these concerns, Tourism Minister PA Muhammed Riyas stated that the seaplane project will only move forward once the issues raised by the forest department are resolved. He stated that the final route for the seaplane has not yet been decided. He also assured that the project will be implemented in areas where it will not pose any threat to the wildlife.

MLA MM Mani’s response sparks debate

Meanwhile, MLA MM Mani dismissed the forest department’s concerns, suggesting that the animals live in the forest, not at the dam.

While addressing the media, he suggested that if wild elephants cannot drink from the reservoir, let the forest department simply fetch water for them.

He also added that forest officials should focus on efficiently carrying out their responsibilities.