Forest dept proposes to install steel wire rope fencing in Coimbatore division

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore division of the forest department has submitted a proposal to the state government, requesting an allocation of 19.4 crore to install a state-of-the-art ‘steel wire rope elephant-proof fence' within the division.
The forest department officials are confident that this advanced fencing system would significantly aid the department in mitigating the human-elephant conflict in the division.
"Our strategic plan involves the installation of the steel wire rope fence across various ranges within the Coimbatore forest division, including Coimbatore, Periyanaickenpalayam, Madukkarai, and Mettupalayam, spanning a distance of 31.36km. We have recently submitted a detailed proposal to the planning, development and special initiatives department. We are prepared to commence the work without delay once we receive the necessary funds," district forest officer (DFO) of the Coimbatore division N Jayaraj said.
Jayaraj emphasised the proven efficacy of this fencing system, citing its successful implementation in the Hosur forest division.
"The steel wire rope fence serves as an effective barrier, deterring wild elephants from straying beyond the boundaries of the reserve forest. The inherent strength and flexibility of the steel wire rope render it impervious to breakage by wild elephants, while simultaneously ensuring that the animals remain unharmed," Jayaraj.
The proposed fencing will be strategically installed along various stretches, including an 11.26km expanse from Attukal to the foothills of Marudhamalai within the Coimbatore range. Additionally, the department has earmarked a 3.95km stretch from Therkupalayam to Rayaruthupathi in the Periyanaickenpalayam forest range.
Within the Madukkarai forest range, the fence will be erected along two key sections: a 6.57km stretch extending from the vicinity of the Hitech city road to the Padi Karuppurayan Kovil, and a 5.51km from the area near the EB office to the Blue Metal Quarry.
Furthermore, the department has outlined plans to install the fence along a 4.06km stretch, starting from the Government Timber Depot and extending to the area behind Black Thunder in the Mettupalayam forest range.