In Thrissur district, Kerala, a significant initiative is underway to tackle human-wildlife conflicts that threaten farmers’ livelihoods. With an allocation of ₹2.19 crore from the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, solar fences spanning 84.95 km will be installed along the borders of forests. These fences are aimed at protecting agricultural lands from frequent incursions by elephants, wild boars, gaurs, and peafowl, which have been causing substantial economic losses to farmers.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare and the Forest Development Agency, with oversight from local committees comprising elected representatives and beneficiaries. These committees will ensure the proper monitoring and maintenance of the solar fences in strategic locations across divisions such as Chalakudy, Vazhachal, and Thrissur forest divisions.

Specifically, ₹149.32 lakh will be used for 59.7 km of fencing in the Thrissur forest division, ₹47.01 lakh for 17 km in the Chalakudy forest division, and ₹23.37 lakh for 8.2 km in the Vazhachal forest division. These targeted efforts aim not only to mitigate wildlife incursions but also to restore a sense of security to farming communities. This project is seen as a potential model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, showcasing a collaborative approach between government bodies and local communities to foster sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.