The Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti has alleged that the recent death of 46-year-old Jessi in a wild elephant attack at Meppadi Kalladi was a direct consequence of unregulated tourism.
At a meeting held in Kalpetta on Friday (May 29, 2026), the samiti members said the recurring human-wildlife conflicts in Mundakkai, Chooralmala and nearby areas stemmed from illegal construction. They also accused people’s representatives and political parties of attempting to deflect public anger through temporary measures instead of permanent solutions.
The committee demanded ₹50 lakh as compensation for the deceased’s family and sought a job for one of her dependents either at the grama panchayat office or the Collectorate. It also urged that the compensation be paid from the revenue generated by ecotourism centres under the Forest department.
The samiti said illegal land transfers and unregulated tourism activities continue unabated in the mountain ranges even after the devastating Puthumala landslide in 2019, leading to severe environmental degradation and disruption of wildlife habitats.
The samiti demanded the demolition of illegal hillside structures, a ban on off-road driving, and the closure of ecotourism operations run by the forest department to prevent more deaths. It said the protests would continue until the demands are met. The samiti office-bearers N. Badusha and Thomas Ambalavayal also spoke.
Published – May 30, 2026 01:25 am IST
