Kerala Begins Installing Solar-Powered Hanging Fences to Curb Wild Animal Raids in Kozhikode District

The Hindu•Published: Oct 17, 2026 05:17 AM IST

The Kerala Forest Department has commenced the installation of solar-powered hanging fences in the Chakkittappara grama panchayat of Kozhikode district to prevent wild animals from entering human settlements. The project, which began at Randamcheeli in Poozhithode, aims to protect local crops and residents from frequent incursions by wild elephants, boars, and monkeys.

Project Scope: The initiative covers approximately 64 km of vulnerable forest borders across the Peruvannamoozhi, Kuttiyadi, and Thamarassery forest ranges.
Budget & Execution: The installation in Chakkittappara spans 18 km at a cost of ₹2.72 crore, with work being executed by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society.
Targeted Areas: Fencing is being prioritized in vulnerable stretches including Poozhithode, Chempanoda, Alambara, and several other panchayats facing recurring wildlife damage.

The Context & Background

This project is part of a broader government initiative launched to mitigate the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the hilly regions of Kozhikode. Local farmers have long demanded these protective measures, citing significant financial losses from the destruction of high-yielding coconut, areca nut, and plantain crops.

The Big Picture:This infrastructure project is critical for the economic stability of local farmers who have struggled with crop loss and mounting agricultural debt. By securing forest borders, the government aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict, potentially stabilizing agricultural output and easing the financial burden on rural households in the region.

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