Tourism infrastructure threatens to push elephants out of Mattupetty grasslands in Keralam's Munnar

Proposed infrastructure in Munnar's natural feeding grounds could disrupt access to forage and water, heightening human-elephant conflict; conservationists seek immediate halt and independent ecological assessment; KLDB maintains its plan comply with responsible tourism and does not disturb topography

A landscape that offers wild elephants food, water and room to roam could be turning into a tourism zone, raising concerns that the loss of natural feeding grounds in Mattupetty, Munnar, may drive the animals closer to roads, plantations and human settlements, escalating the risk of human-elephant conflict.

The grasslands between the Munnar-Top Station road and the Mattupetty reservoir, under the control of the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB), are frequented by elephant herds. Reports of construction of a watchtower, a roadside ticket counter and wooden fencing arrangements for tourists in the area have triggered concerns for conservationists over the impact of tourism infrastructure on this fragile habitat.

Joint inspection

ANEC Trust, a Kochi-based NGO, has urged the State government to intervene immediately, calling for a joint inspection by the departments concerned, an independent ecological assessment and a halt to further construction and expansion of tourism activities until the project's impact is established.

"The concern extends beyond the physical structures. Construction, increased tourist footfall, vehicular movement, noise and human presence could disturb elephants and restrict their access to feeding grounds and water sources," the trust said.

Food, water security

A senior Forest department official said the grassland and reservoir provide critical food and water security for elephant herds in the Devikulam forest range.

"It serves as an elephant passage connecting Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. Up to 10 wild elephants camp in this area at any given time, with prominent tuskers like 'Hos-kompan' and a six-member herd frequently sighted here. The grassland is the sole access route for these animals to reach the Mattuppetty reservoir. Blocking this passage will push elephants toward Munnar's tourism hubs and tea plantations, escalating human-wildlife conflict," the official said.

Apparent contradiction

The trust questioned the apparent contradiction between efforts to remove unauthorised structures from elephant tracks elsewhere in Idukki and the reported construction of tourism facilities in a landscape used by the animals.

"The authorities should verify the statutory clearances and assess whether the proposed infrastructure and barricades could obstruct elephant movement or access to essential resources," it pointed out.

T.S. Santhosh, lawyer-cum-legal representative of ANEC Trust, said protecting elephant habitat was fundamental to ensuring the safety of both wildlife and people.

"If we want to prevent human-elephant conflict, we must protect the places where elephants can feed, drink and move safely before they are forced into human-dominated areas," he said.

Independent study

The trust has appealed to the Chief Minister, Forest Minister, Chief Secretary, Head of Forest Force, Chief Wildlife Warden, Idukki District Collector, forest officials, KLDB and the Revenue and Tourism departments to conduct an immediate joint inspection and commission an independent study.

The assessment, it said, should examine elephant usage, seasonal movement, forage availability, water sources, habitat connectivity and the cumulative ecological impact of tourism. The trust has sought a transparent public statement on the project and a coordinated, habitat-sensitive management plan. It has also called for any further construction and expansion of tourism activities to remain suspended pending the assessment.

The trust maintained that visitor facilities and revenue generation should not override ecological integrity, wildlife security and public safety. If the proposed facilities are found incompatible with the ecological needs of the grasslands, alternative locations and less intrusive options should be explored, it said.

KLDB's response

However, the KLDB maintained that the whole land is the board's own property and not revenue land. "The subject committee of the Legislative Assembly has asked the board to increase revenue form various sources to achieve self-sustainability. With due consideration of responsible tourism, the board is starting a view point in a pasture meadow at Mattupetty for the tourists without disturbing the topography. Only a ticketing booth and a wooden entrance arch will be placed at the site. No other buildings or any other constructions are coming up there," it explained.