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Wildlife SOS: Saving Animals from Deadly Canal
9 Feb
Summary
- Parambikulam Aliyar Project canal is a death trap for wildlife.
- Ramps need reorientation to help animals escape the canal.
- New escape routes and training for staff are recommended.
The 49.3-km Parambikulam Aliyar Project canal, an engineering marvel in the Western Ghats, poses a significant threat to wildlife. Since its commissioning in 1965, the open stretches of the canal have become a deathtrap for various animal species within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Authorities are now considering measures to prevent wildlife mortality. A study by WWF-India suggests reorienting existing ramps to face opposite the water flow, aiding animals in escaping if they fall in. High-priority areas for these modifications are the entry points of the canal's seven tunnels.
Further recommendations include constructing 17 additional ramps, installing guiding mechanisms, and using camera traps to monitor usage. Clearing excessive vegetation and fencing a specific section prone to accidental falls are also proposed. The report emphasizes the need for specialized rescue training and equipment for frontline staff of the Forest and Public Works Departments.
