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Nilgiris Dam Fence Sparks Wildlife Danger
26 Jul
Summary
- A new fence at Kattery Dam obstructs wildlife paths.
- Wildlife are moving into settlements and roads.
- Fences can cause injury or death to animals.
A newly erected perimeter fence at the Kattery Dam in the Nilgiris is causing distress to local residents and wildlife. For over a century, the dam's reservoirs lacked barriers, serving as crucial water sources for diverse fauna such as gaur, sambar deer, and leopards. These animals are now being displaced by the fence.
Residents report an uptick in wildlife sightings on roads and within human settlements, creating risks for both motorists and inhabitants. Wildlife researcher N. Moinudheen highlighted that such fences can be hazardous, particularly for species like gaur, which may suffer severe injuries or death attempting to clear high barriers. Moinudheen stressed the importance of infrastructure design that minimizes wildlife disturbance.
The Forest Department acknowledged the issue, noting the dam's maintenance by the Indian army for the Cordite factory. Officials have committed to investigating the impact of the fence and exploring mitigation strategies to reduce harm to the local wildlife population.
