Abandoned plantations in Idukki raises threat of human-wildlife conflicts
Forest officials say a tiger released two months ago in Periyar Tiger Reserve has taken shelter in the overgrown tea estates of Vandiperiyar, Idukki, after plantations were abandoned. The same neglected lands are attracting wild elephants, leading to a rise in attacks on nearby villages. Authorities warn the abandoned fields could heighten human‑wildlife conflict in the region.