Chinnakkanal human-elephant issue man-made, says Keralam Forest Minister

Human–elephant conflict in Chinnakkanal is man-made, and the human settlement there was allotted based on a Forest department proposal, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said while inaugurating the State-Level Wildlife Week celebrations at Thekkady on Monday (October 5, 2026).

Earlier, officials claimed that during 2002–2003, the A.K. Antony government decided to establish the 301 Colony human settlement in Chinnakkanal despite opposition from then Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Prakriti Srivastava. The government proceeded with the project, leading to persistent conflict in the area.

However, addressing the gathering on Monday, the Forest Minister said: “If we examine how the issue originated in Chinnakkanal, in one sense, the problems there are man-made. It is quite bizarre. In earlier days, it was often alleged that the problem arose because the then-elected A.K. Antony government established the 301 Colony near the Anayirankal dam despite stiff opposition. But when I reviewed it recently, there was a recommendation from the then forest official, Prakriti Srivastava, to relocate them there. What we are seeing today is the fallout of a mistake made during that era. Beyond that lies revenue land, where large resorts were subsequently established. I have no hesitation in naming them: resorts belonging to Sterling and Mahindra came up right where the elephant corridor was marked,” said the Minister.

Concern over order

Speaking to the media, Mr. John raised concerns regarding the Idukki District Collector’s recent order to remove fencing. “Before issuing such an order, a stakeholder meeting must have been conducted,” the Minister said.

He added that farmers and local bodies should cooperate with the Forest department to address human-wildlife conflict. “If needed, farmers should remove fences that block elephant paths. Farmers should plant crops such as turmeric, lemon, and lemongrass along forest borders, as these do not attract wild animals,” he noted.

The Minister also clarified the constitution of the seven-member State-level advisory committee on human-wildlife conflict mitigation by the government. “I personally verified and approved all members on the list; there is no need for controversy,” Mr. John stated.

Refutes claims

Meanwhile, Ms. Srivastava refuted the Minister’s claim when contacted. “The Minister’s claim regarding my proposal is not true; in fact, it is absolutely false,” she said.

“The fact is that I had written to the government stating that it was a bad idea to allow human settlement in and around the Anayirankal dam area. But the government ignored the report and allowed colonies to be established there, now known as 301 Colony. Human-elephant conflict started within a year of the relocation. I also wrote as PCCF [Principal Chief Conservator of Forests] and Special Officer for Rebuild Kerala in 2023, clarifying this position. Records are available with the Forest department and the government showing where I again recommended relocating 301 Colony under the Navakiranam scheme, but it was verbally rejected by the then Forest Minister,” she said.