The Sampadak Express News Desk
The Kerala Forest Department will build dedicated elephant crossings on the Gap Road stretch of National Highway 85 between Munnar and Bodimettu in Idukki to improve wildlife movement and safety, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) transferring ₹6.96 crore for the project, according to officials cited by The Hindu.
Planned structures include three elephant underpasses, an animal over-bridge, designated crossing ramps and hume-pipe culverts along the corridor. Chief Conservator of Forests (High Range Circle) D.K. Vinod Kumar said, “The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already sanctioned and disbursed funds, and the Forest department will commence execution of the project without delay.” NHAI officials confirmed the fund transfer but said ground work is yet to begin.
The department also proposes short-term mitigation and conflict-monitoring measures along the highway. These include upgrading Rapid Response Teams with dedicated vehicles and equipment, deploying an SMS-based alert system, installing solar fencing, placing informational signboards and street lighting, clearing vista lines along road corridors, and engaging local watchers and trackers.
Officials said an expert panel is expected to submit a report recommending the crossings. Wild elephants from the Anayirankal and Chinnakkanal regions frequently cross this highway to reach Mathikettan Shola National Park. A senior official said that after the highway was reconstructed, steep embankments and deep slopes hindered elephant movement, and that building overpasses and underpasses would enable unhindered passage. A source added that Mathikettan’s grasslands are critical for elephant foraging and that easier movement across the highway could significantly reduce human–elephant conflict in the area.
The expert committee comprises P.S. Easa, former director of the Kerala Forest Research Institute (and a member of the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group); KFRI scientist Rajan Pilakandy; botanist Jomy Augustine, former head of department at St. Thomas College, Pala; and Murukesan, a tribal representative from Enpathu Acre in Chinnakkanal. Officials said the panel has completed its field assessment and will submit its final report shortly.
