Devaswom begins wall construction at Madayipara to keep vehicles out

The Madayi Thiruvarkattukavu Devaswom has initiated the construction of a stone boundary wall at Madayipara, Kerala, to restrict vehicular entry into the ecologically sensitive laterite plateau. This action comes amidst protests from environmental groups like the Madayipara Samrakshana Samithi against unregulated tourism, the operation of an unauthorized eco-park, and the resulting damage to the area's exceptional biodiversity, including rare plants and threatened bird species. The move aims to protect the fragile ecosystem, which is a significant biodiversity hotspot, from increasing human interference and vehicular movement, following earlier ineffective measures and a Kerala High Court directive for protection.