KOCHI: The High Court directed the expert committee to hold an urgent meeting with the Principal Secretaries of Revenue and Forests departments and Idukki District Collector to prepare and submit recommendations as the conflict between elephants and humans is likely to continue in Anayirangal and Chinnakanal areas.

The Forest Department had prepared a report for the protection of elephants in the Anayirangal and Chinnakanal areas and submitted it to the High Court. A division bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice P Gopinath stated that the recommendations of the report should be considered urgently for the protection of the people of the region. Subsequently, the expert committee was directed to submit the proposals and the time schedule for its implementation. Kottayam high range Circle CCF RS Arun, Project Tiger CCF PP Pramod, Wildlife Trust of India Vice President Dr. NVK Ashraf, Kerala Forest Research Institute Ex-Director Dr. PS Easa and high court-appointed amicus curiae Adv. Ramesh Babu are the expert panel members.

District task forces should be constituted

In Idukki district, as the fear of human-wildlife conflict persists, task forces should be formed to address the issues. The RDO, Chief Conservator of Forests, District Police Chief, and Panchayat President should be included in the task force. The district police chief will be the convener of panchayat-level task forces. Task forces should be formed within a week and steps should be taken to prevent elephants from creating problems in residential areas. Idukki District Superintendent of Police should give a report within three weeks regarding the formation and functioning of the task forces.