The Tamil Nadu Forest Department and WWF-India have devised a unique solution to address the problem of wild elephants damaging ration shops in the Valparai plateau. They plan to set up container ration shops using old cargo containers. The pilot project will be carried out at two locations within the Manambolly forest range of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The objective is to test the feasibility of using these strong structures and observe how elephants react to them. If the pilot project is successful, the department intends to expand this model to other areas in the plateau where elephants cause damage to ration shops.
Currently, out of the 60-odd ration shops in the Valparai plateau, around 30 are situated in areas frequented by elephants. During the annual migration period between September and March, large herds of elephants, including those from Kerala, gather in the plateau. Consequently, ration shops in these areas have faced repeated damage from the elephants. To mitigate this, mobile ration shops were introduced, but this required additional expenses and manpower.
To address this issue, the Forest Department and WWF-India decided to use old cargo containers as a secure alternative. The container ration shops will be placed on concrete pillars and feature steel windows and doors that can withstand pressure from elephants. The project is being funded by WWF-India. The containers will be set up at Muthumudi and Thaimudi middle division, both tea estate areas prone to elephant movement.
Deputy Director Bhargava Teja, responsible for the Pollachi division, stated that additional security measures are being considered for the container shops. They are exploring the possibility of constructing elephant-proof trenches around the shops to enhance their protection.
The initiative is aimed at not only safeguarding the ration shops but also reducing negative human-elephant interactions in the region. Despite the regular movement of elephants in the plateau, no human deaths have been reported as a result of such interactions since June 2021, thanks to joint efforts by the Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Foundation.
The success of this pilot project could lead to the implementation of container ration shops in other areas prone to similar issues. The Civil Supplies Department and non-governmental organizations are expected to support the expansion of this model. By using old cargo containers, the Forest Department and WWF-India hope to find a sustainable solution to protect ration shops from wild elephants and ensure the seamless delivery of provisions to the beneficiaries.
