Electric fences around resorts removed

The action came a day after the Nilgiris district Collector issued notices to the sealed resorts, asking them to remove the illegal fences put up blocking the migratory pathway of elephants. The resorts have put up either solar or electric fences surrounding a large area to prevent the elephants from entering their premises.

On Wednesday, the officials removed fences of eight resorts in Vazhaithottam, Sokkanalli and Sigur ‘paalam’. Fences of other resorts are likely to be removed, on Thursday. While removing the fence in a resort at Vazhaithottam, a jumbo wandered around the area triggering tense moments.

A total of 38 resorts were sealed so far, based on the orders from the Supreme Court for running on the migratory pathway of elephants. 

In the first phase, 27 illegal resorts constructed along the elephant corridor at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) were shut down, while 12 others sought time to submit valid documents needed for their functioning.

After perusal of the documents, the district administration took action on them also as 11 resort managements could not furnish proper documents. One of them owned by actor Mithun Chakraborty in Bokkapuram was also sealed by the officials. A resort owned by Alok Gupta wasn’t sealed as the owner claimed that the building was not used for any commercial purposes.

A report submitted by Nilgiris district administration to court has also identified a total of 821 illegal buildings including 390 houses, 27 public buildings, nine estates, 77 farmlands to be located on the elephant corridor in Masinagudi. However, the Supreme Court hasn’t given any ruling on the residential houses located on the elephant corridor.