Wildlife Flourishes on Abandoned Forest Road as Encroachment Attempts Spark Legal Action
A recent report from the Public Works Department has revealed a remarkable resurgence of wildlife along the historic Aluva-Munnar road. This old route cuts directly through the dense Pooyamkutty forest. The document confirms that elephants and Indian gaurs now roam freely across this terrain.
Road Remains Closed Since 1924 Flood
The PWD assistant engineer in Munnar prepared this perambulation report. It states clearly that the contentious road passes completely through forest land. Motor vehicles cannot use it today. A devastating flood in 1924 destroyed the ghat section. Authorities have kept the road shut ever since.
This prolonged closure has allowed nature to reclaim the area. The ecosystem has thrived without human interference for decades. The team observed remnants of the old roadway and survey stones at multiple locations during their inspection.
Inspection Uncovers Bridge Ruins and Rich Biodiversity
Officials conducted the perambulation along a ten-kilometer stretch from Vanchikallu to the Kunchiyar river. They found the river measuring approximately thirty meters wide. In the middle of the waterway, they discovered the ruins of an old bridge.
The abutment and deck slab of this structure were completely destroyed. Only fragments of the abutment and some dowel bars remained visible. This inspection reinforces findings from a 2005 study by the Kerala Forest Research Institute. That earlier research also highlighted the exceptional biological richness of this region.
Encroachment Attempts Lead to Forest Department Case
Despite these environmental realities, some groups have pushed to reopen the road. On March 15, 2025, a significant incident occurred. Former Bishop Mar George Punnakottil of the Kothamangalam diocese led a group that included MP Dean Kuriakose and MLA Antony John.
Other people's representatives, priests, and additional individuals joined them. They attempted to encroach upon forest land in Kuttampuzha. The forest department responded swiftly by filing a case against all participants.
Senior forest officials provided context for this confrontation. They explained that many people have purchased land in the Mankulam and Kuttampuzha areas recently. These buyers want authorities to open the old road. Their goal involves establishing resorts and increasing property values.
The presence of abundant wildlife actually attracts their interest. They believe tourists would visit specifically to see elephants and gaurs. This commercial motivation drove the forest land encroachment attempt last year.
Officials Warn Against Ecological Damage
Forest department authorities express deep concern about these developments. A senior official stated clearly that reopening the road would harm the local ecology. Wildlife would suffer significantly from renewed human activity.
The official emphasized that church leaders and elected representatives should follow existing rules. Instead, they disregarded regulations during their encroachment attempt. The department remains vigilant against any further efforts to disturb this recovering forest corridor.
The PWD report serves as crucial documentation of the current conditions. It provides evidence that the closed road now functions as a vital wildlife habitat. Conservationists hope this information will strengthen protection measures for Pooyamkutty forest's unique ecosystem.
