The Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department has announced a series of urgent measures to address the growing threat of wildlife attacks on human settlements across the state. A special meeting of MLAs representing constituencies sharing forest boundaries was convened under the chairmanship of Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John to discuss long-term solutions to human-wildlife conflict.
Total Defence System Announced
Addressing the meeting, Minister John announced that a 'total defence' system would be implemented along forest borders to prevent wild animals from entering populated areas. He stated that regions facing severe wildlife intrusion, including Wayanad, Aralam, and Kothamangalam, would be given immediate priority under the department's mitigation efforts.
Intensified Response Measures
The minister reported that six elephants that had entered inhabited areas were successfully driven back into forests on Tuesday, demonstrating the department's intensified response measures. He also said the wild boar incursion issue would be addressed on a priority basis. The successful three-tier defence system implemented at Irulath is set to be expanded to other forest fringe areas experiencing frequent wildlife disturbances.
Call for Central Government Action
Minister Sunny Joseph noted that the state has repeatedly urged the central government to declare wild boars as vermin to facilitate more effective population management measures, but approval has yet to be granted. He called for increased funding for wildlife conflict mitigation programmes.
Efficient Fund Utilisation
Minister T Siddique stressed the need for the forest department to establish its own implementation mechanism to ensure efficient and transparent utilisation of funds allocated for wildlife prevention measures.
Compensation for Victims
Former minister K Rajan urged the government to provide adequate compensation to victims of wildlife attacks, irrespective of whether the incident occurred inside or outside forest boundaries. He said compensation policies should focus on the impact on affected families rather than the exact location of the incident.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on strengthening preventive measures, improving coordination between departments, and accelerating long-term solutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The meeting was attended by ministers Joseph and Siddique, former minister Rajan, legislators, and senior forest department officials.
