A solar-powered fence with elephant alerts and deterrent sound systems is being installed across 18.50 kilometres in Kerala’s Thattekad and Kavalangad areas to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect settlements near the Periyar river. The project was formally launched by MLA Shibu Thekkumpuram in the Kothamangalam region on October 11.
The fence will extend from Kalakkadavu to the Neriamangalam agricultural farm and will be installed in two sections under the Kothamangalam Forest Division. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 1.66 crore and is being implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, a central government-backed agriculture development programme.
According to the project details reported by Mathrubhumi, the system combines solar power with an AI-enabled smart energiser. Motion-sensor cameras and an early-warning system will be integrated into the installation. Five smart energisers and 20 early-warning systems are planned at different locations along the fence.
When an elephant approaches the barrier, the system is designed to send an alert message and an image to residents’ mobile phones. It will also activate a sound system intended to drive the animal away from the settlement. The alerts are expected to give residents time to exercise caution and help rapid response teams reach the location sooner.
The project is intended to address the movement of wild elephants from the Periyar landscape into inhabited areas. The Thattekad, Kavalangad and surrounding settlements have experienced recurring interactions between people and wildlife, creating risks for residents, agricultural activity and forest personnel. The new installation places surveillance and communication technology alongside a physical barrier in an effort to improve response time during such incidents.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Punnekad junction, with Keerampara gram panchayat president Reena Joshi presiding. Agriculture Block Assistant Director Priyamol Thomas explained the project. Kothamangalam Divisional Forest Officer K.R. Suraj Ben and representatives of the block and gram panchayats also attended the event.
The project’s next operational milestone will be the installation of the planned fence sections, smart energisers, cameras and warning systems along the identified 18.50-km stretch. Once in place, the Forest Department and local response teams will be responsible for responding to alerts generated by elephant movements near the settlements.
