ANEC Trust seeks halt to Mattupetty tourism projects over elephant habitat concerns

Kochi, Oct 16 (UNI) ANEC Trust has urged the Kerala government to halt further tourism-related construction in the Mattupetty grasslands in Munnar until an independent ecological assessment determines its potential impact on elephant habitat and wildlife movement. The Trust has called for an immediate joint inspection by the Forest, Revenue and Tourism departments, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) and the Idukki district administration to examine the reported development activities and ensure that the ecological integrity of the grasslands is protected. The intervention follows reports of a watchtower being developed in the grasslands, along with a roadside ticket counter and…