The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s (KCBC) Jagratha Commission has demanded the withdrawal of an order issued by the Idukki District Collector directing the removal of illegal fences obstructing wildlife corridors.
In a statement issued on Friday (September 25, 2026), the Church forum alleged that the move could violate the constitutional rights of people living in the high-range areas.
In a statement, the commission said the order, issued under the Disaster Management Act, had caused widespread concern among residents of Keralam’s high-range regions.
“The order, which could pave way for the Forest department to encroach on human settlements and displace poor rural residents, should be withdrawn,” the KCBC panel said.
Terming as unscientific the finding that obstruction to wildlife movement was a major cause of increasing animal attacks, the commission said the Forest department and the district and State administrations should identify the actual causes of rising human-wildlife conflict and formulate lasting solutions.
“Illegal constructions in forest areas, if any, must be removed, but the peaceful lives of ordinary people residing legally in such areas should not be disrupted in the guise of such acts,” the statement issued by Fr. Anthony L., secretary of the KCBC Jagratha Commission, said.
The commission warned that the unilateral order could set a precedent for similar measures in other districts if it was not withdrawn.
It also said the directive would intensify concerns among high-range residents across the State over the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification.
