Thrissur: Restoring traditional elephant corridors is the permanent solution to human-wildlife conflict, Kerala Minister Shibu Baby John said on Monday, stressing the need to strike a balance between forest conservation, tourism and public safety in areas near forests.
Speaking after inaugurating the entrance gate complex at Athirappilly Waterfalls, the minister said the government was giving priority to forest conservation, eco-friendly development and the safety of people living along forest boundaries.
John said the situation was becoming increasingly challenging as several traditional elephant corridors used by wild elephants while moving in search of drinking water had been blocked.
He stressed the need to restore these corridors to facilitate the natural movement of elephants and reduce encounters between wildlife and local communities.
The minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring sustainable tourism development while protecting forests and safeguarding people living in forest-fringe areas.
