The Animal and Nature Ethics Community (ANEC) Trust, a prominent Kochi-based wildlife conservation organization, has escalated its fight against the systemic failure to protect elephants in the Walayar-Kanjikode railway corridor. By serving a formal legal notice to the State government, the trust has highlighted a catastrophic pattern of wildlife mortality that has claimed 35 elephants over the last two decades.

The catalyst for this legal move was the tragic death of an elephant and her calf on August 12—ironically, World Elephant Day—when they were struck by the Mengaluru-Chennai Superfast Express. This incident, coupled with the death of a four-year-old elephant in February, has cemented the corridor's reputation as a "wildlife mortality hotspot." ANEC argues that the state has failed in its constitutional and statutory duty to protect these endangered giants.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a failure of infrastructure but a failure of administrative will. While Tamil Nadu has successfully deployed an AI-based detection system that facilitated over 9,000 safe crossings without a single death, the Kerala side remains stuck in a perpetual "testing phase." The disparity suggests a critical gap in inter-state coordination and technical implementation.

The failure to transition from 'testing' to 'operational' status for AI warning systems is a death sentence for wildlife in high-traffic corridors.

Beyond the tracks, the ANEC Trust has pointed to the devastating impact of industrialization. The notice specifically calls out limestone mining at Malabar Cements’ Pandarathu mines and granite quarries near the Dhoni forest. Furthermore, the trust opposes the diversion of forest land for IIT Palakkad and a proposed greenfield highway, warning that such developments fragment habitats and inevitably increase human-wildlife conflict.

A significant portion of the legal notice focuses on financial accountability. Citing a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit, ANEC revealed a shocking disparity in fund utilization. Between 2020 and 2025, Kerala received approximately ₹221.38 crore for wildlife habitats and Project Tiger/Elephant, yet only ₹73.55 crore was reportedly spent. The trust is now demanding audited statements and utilization certificates to explain this massive shortfall.

Feature	Tamil Nadu System	Kerala (Walayar) System
Status	Fully Operational	Under Testing
Impact	9,481 Safe Crossings	Recurring Fatalities
Mortality Rate	Zero Reported Deaths	35 Deaths (20 Years)

As an immediate remedy, ANEC has demanded joint inspections by the Forest Department, Southern Railway, and technical experts. They are pushing for interim measures including night patrols, real-time communication with train drivers, and strict speed controls until the AI system is fully functional. The trust has warned that it will approach the Kerala High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) if the government remains unresponsive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the AI-based elephant detection system?
It is a technological framework using sensors and AI to detect elephants near tracks and send real-time alerts to railway authorities to reduce train speeds.

Q2: Which projects are contributing to habitat loss in Walayar?
Mining at Pandarathu limestone mines, granite quarries in Dhoni forest, and land diversion for IIT Palakkad are cited as primary threats.