Nilgiris Dam Fencing Disrupts Ancient Wildlife Corridors Near Ketti Palada
The installation of a perimeter fence at Kattery Dam has severed access to vital water sources for local wildlife populations. Experts warn this infrastructure forces animals into human settlements, heightening the risk of dangerous encounters.
Barriers to Water Access Ignite Conservation Concerns
For more than a century, the two reservoirs forming the Kattery Dam near Ketti Palada served as an unrestricted sanctuary for diverse Nilgiris fauna. A newly erected perimeter fence now blocks these heritage waterbodies, effectively cutting off species such as gaur, sambar deer, sloth bears, porcupines, and leopards from their primary hydration source. Local resident S. Mani notes that while the Kattery stream passes through the Ketti valley, it is tightly bordered by agricultural land, making the dam the only safe haven for animals to gather away from human habitation.
Rising Risks of Human-Wildlife Conflict
The sudden obstruction of traditional migration paths has resulted in increased animal sightings on public roads and within tea estates. Residents report that wildlife used to navigate quickly across transit points to reach the water; they are now forced to wander through residential areas and along motorways in search of alternate routes. This shift raises the probability of accidents involving motorists and residents.
- Species at Risk: Gaur, sambar deer, sloth bears, and leopards.
- Safety Hazards: Increased animal presence on roads and within human settlements.
- Physical Danger: High fences lead to gaur sustaining fatal injuries while attempting to clear the barriers.
Infrastructure Management and Ecological Impact
Independent wildlife researcher N. Moinudheen warns that these large-scale obstructions pose a lethal threat, particularly to gaur, which often become trapped or impaled on high fences. Moinudheen argues that water bodies located at human-animal interfaces must be managed to allow movement, using specific fencing designs that mitigate ecological disturbance. Currently, the Indian Army manages the dam to provide water for the Cordite Factory in Aravankadu. While Forest Department officials have acknowledged the situation and pledged to seek remedies, Nilgiris District Forest Officer Kashyap Shashank Ravi was unavailable for immediate comment regarding the infrastructure's impact.
Source: The Hindu — Home
