IIT Palakkad: Experts suggest strict security measures to keep elephants at bay

In a report, an expert committee set up by the Kerala government has suggested setting up a rapid response team, installation of surveillance cameras, solar fencing to curb wild elephants entering IIT campus in Palakkad. The campus sharing boundaries with forest areas has been reporting the intrusion of wild elephants.

Kochi: Following menace caused by wild elephants in IIT Palakkad campus, an expert committee constituted under the direction of Kerala High Court, has suggested for setting up of a rapid response team. Installation of surveillance cameras, solar fencing are also put forth as solution by the committee.

The committee recommended strengthening security outside the campus compound wall, installing night vision cameras to track movements of wild elephants, alarms and installation of solar fencing to prevent elephants from entering the campus. A rapid response team should also be set up to handle elephants that still managed to enter the campus, the committee suggested.

The state government was asked by the Kerala HC to study the issue and submit a detailed report while hearing the petition, last month. Kerala Government elaborated on the steps taken by the government to handle man-animal conflict and the recommendations of the Central Elephant Monitoring Committee based on the directions of the Green Tribunal along with the expert committee suggestions.

IIT Palakkad, inaugurated in 2015, currently functions in two campuses, the temporary campus at Ahalia Integrated Campus at Kozhippara and the permanent Nila campus, which is still under construction at Kanjikkode. This 500-acre campus is sharing boundaries with forest areas and has reported cases of wild animal presence.