The Kerala high court has sought the views of the state government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking steps to prevent the alleged frequent elephant attacks in Malayattoor forest areas.
A division bench led by chief justice S Manikumar sought a report on the steps taken after considering a PIL (WP-C No. 17921/2021) filed by Vettampara Pourasamithy through advocate PB Sahasranaman. During the admission hearing, the court said it is a serious matter and that the government should inform the court about the action taken.
It was alleged by the petitioner that lack of boundary fencing and trenches, coupled with the failure of electric fencing, around Malayattoor forest area is adversely affecting the life of the people residing in areas surrounding the forest.
Several elephants have entered human settlement areas and destroyed crops, the petition said while alleging that best practices to protect the life and property of citizens from elephant attacks are not being followed.
