With rising human-wildlife conflict and related fatalities at night and in the early morning in plantations bordering forest areas, the Idukki Collector has imposed a strict ban on work and human movement during these periods.
In an order issued by the District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, the Inspectors of plantations in Munnar, Peerumade, and Udumbanchola have been directed to instruct plantation owners and workers to halt all activities and movement inside the estates between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to ensure safety and prevent wild animal attacks.
According to officials, the order comes in the wake of an increase in fatal wild elephant attacks across the district.
“Six deaths from wild elephant attacks have been reported in the district this year, with most occurring either late at night or early in the morning. Two recent fatalities—involving a tribal farmer and a migrant worker—both took place during night and early in the morning. Our assessments show that movement at dawn and dusk leads to dangerous elephant interactions, which often turn fatal. The new order aims to prevent such tragedies,” a Revenue Department official said.
