Farmers seek fence at borders to prevent intrusion of wild animals

TIRUCHY: Farmers during the forest grievances redressal meet here on Thursday demanded the government to erect fence around the borders of the human habitat to prevent entry of wild animals, which destroy the crops.

The forest grievances redressal meeting was chaired by the District Forest Officer G Kiran in which the farmers raised a series of issues and sought immediate steps to resolve them.

P Ayyakannu, state president of Desiya Thennindiya Nadhigal Inaippu Sangam, said that farmers, who have been cultivating in the forest and hillock areas on the outskirts of Tiruchy face multiple problems due to wild animals. As these farmers have been cultivating common and root vegetables, wild animals stray into their farms and destroy the crops causing severe loss. Moreover, farmers are afraid to go to their fields during night to monitor the entry of animals. “Officials should visit these spots and assess the loss to recommend adequate compensation,” Ayyakannu said.

Ayilai Siva Suriyan, district secretary, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, urged the officials to erect fence along the borders of human habitat to prevent intrusion of wild animals. Siva Suriyan said that apart from wild boars, monkeys, bisons and peacocks enter the cultivable lands adjacent to reserve forests and destroy entire cultivation. He handed over a list of vulnerable areas in the district and urged to provide proper protection to the people as well as their crops. He also sought permission to shoot wild boars.

DFO Kiran assured to recommend for crop damage relief and promised to forward their requests to the government.