Kuttampuzha and wildlife
Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat, surrounded by forests on the eastern border of Ernakulam district, is an important base for wild elephants in the Western Ghats. Adjacent to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Munnar and Malayattoor forest areas, this area is a natural migration route for wildlife, especially wild elephants (Elephant Corridor). The dense forests and water bodies, including the Kuttampuzha River, provide a suitable habitat for elephants in this area. When the water bodies within the forest dry up in the summer, herds of elephants often descend on the inhabited areas of Kuttampuzha in search of water and food.
There is a close relationship between the lives of the people of Kuttampuzha and the wild elephants, and at the same time, there is a severe conflict. Elephants mainly descend on the agricultural fields in search of agricultural crops such as banana, kappa, coconut and rubber in this area. They cause massive damage to crops. When elephants come in large numbers at night and destroy the farmers' work, it affects the livelihood of the locals. Elephants often encamp in populated areas, posing a great threat to the peace and security of people.
The forest department and the locals are implementing various preventive measures in Kuttampuzha to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Hanging solar fencing, ditches, and night patrols led by Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) are active here to prevent elephant poaching. When wild elephants enter populated areas, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and locals work together to drive them back into the forest by bursting crackers and making noise. Wildlife experts are of the opinion that a permanent solution to this problem can only be found by ensuring that the elephants have the necessary water and food within the forest itself.
