Nilgiris residents seek streetlight repairs to reduce human-elephant conflict

Residents of O-Valley Town Panchayat near Gudalur in the Nilgiris district have raised concerns over inadequate streetlights, saying the lack of lighting is increasing the risk of man-elephant encounters. The area is an important corridor for wild elephant movement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Most streetlights in O-Valley are solar-powered, particularly in areas without regular electricity supply. However, residents said several of these lights stop functioning by 8.30 or 9 pm, leaving roads and residential areas in darkness for most of the night.

The problem is particularly acute in Barwood, Tiruvallur Street, Arottuparai and Four Number Vayal. Residents also pointed out that even the high-mast light near the O-Valley panchayat office has remained non-functional for the past four months.