Greens elevate considerations over seaplane mission at Mattupetty dam

Wild elephants roaming on grasslands close to the Mattuppetty dam reservoir in Munnar.
| Photograph Credit score: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

Whilst the federal government is continuing with the trial run of a seaplane from Kochi to the Mattupetty dam in Munnar on Monday, greens have raised considerations over the mission.

They are saying the Mattupetty dam is a pristine habitat of untamed elephants and the seaplane service will disturb wildlife within the Munnar panorama.

Environmentalist M.J. Jayachandran filed a petition with the Chief Wildlife Warden demanding quick cessation of the mission within the Mattupetty dam.

He mentioned the proposed mission violated the Supreme Court docket’s directive safeguarding nationwide parks and eco-sensitive zones and continuing with it could entice contempt of courtroom and felony proceedings.

He mentioned within the petition that the Mattupetty dam was a significant supply of water for wild elephants and different critically endangered wildlife and the encircling areas had been a part of an eco-sensitive zone protected by legislation.

The dam and the close by grasslands had been the prime habitat of untamed elephants in Munnar and no human-wildlife battle had been reported up to now within the space. Wild elephants on the grasslands close to the dam had been a significant vacationer attraction in Munnar, he mentioned.

Forest division sources mentioned Idukki Collector V. Vigneswari instructed the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer and the DFO to make preparations to welcome the seaplane service.

“A speedy response group led by the Devikulam Vary Officer will attain the spot at Mattupetty prematurely to observe the motion of untamed elephants. The division will shoot visuals of the airplane and examine if the service is inflicting any disturbance to the wildlife. A report might be submitted to the Collector and the Chief Wildlife Warden,” the sources mentioned.

They mentioned over 10 wild elephants had been current within the dam space. “Wild elephants are seen crossing the dam recurrently. The airplane service could trigger disturbance to their habitat and improve human-elephant battle in Munnar,” they mentioned.

Water Assets Minister Roshy Augustine, Devikualam MLA A. Raja, former Minister and Udumbanchola MLA M.M. Mani, amongst others, will obtain the seaplane service on the dam.