Forest dept. to build solar fences at Chakkittappara

Two kilometres along forestland at Vattakkayam to be covered in first phase of work

Following frequent demands by farmers, the Forest Department has agreed to construct solar power fences in some of the most vulnerable areas in Chakkittappara panchayat where wild elephants recently destroyed crops in large acres of agriculture land. In the first phase, solar fences will be erected covering nearly two kilometres along the forestland at Vattakkayam. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) M. Rajeevan, who held discussions with farmers at Peruvannamoozhi on Monday following a directive from Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, also promised to submit a fresh proposal to the State government to sanction fund for rope fencing works on other vulnerable stretches. This would be apart from digging trenches and constructing granite walls in other areas, he said. Farmers and their leaders proposed to try bio-fencing as well along forest borders as it was found very effective in many other parts of the country. They said thorny palm saplings could be used for the purpose.