The first budget of the V D Satheesan government in Kerala has allocated only Rs 243.80 crore to the forest department in the revised budget for 2026-27, despite strong demands for increased funding. This plan fund allocation is significantly lower than the Rs 305.61 crore outlay announced in the 2025-26 budget.
Forest Department Faces Cuts Amid Revenue Deficit
Officials had been demanding higher allocations, arguing that the earmarked outlay was insufficient to meet basic expenses, especially with rising human-wildlife conflicts in the state's high-range areas. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John had also highlighted the meager budget allocation during a public event in Kothamangalam on June 8.
However, forest officials explained that the reduction in plan scheme allocation is due to the state's total revenue deficit, which has affected plan fund allocations across all departments. An additional Rs 100 crore has been allocated under the non-plan scheme for relief to victims affected by wild animal attacks, a forest official said.
Technology to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflicts
In his maiden budget speech, Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that modern technology would be utilized to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, with an allocation of Rs 192 crore for this purpose. He also stated that steps would be taken to deploy additional rapid response teams in areas severely affected by such conflicts.
Carbon-Neutral Goal by 2050
On environmental protection, the Chief Minister announced a 'zero policy' to prevent air, water, land, and light pollution, with Rs 22.02 crore allocated for environment sector activities. Kerala aims to become completely carbon-neutral by 2050, and a state-level mechanism will be established to enable farmers to claim carbon credits and secure direct financial benefits.
Tribal University Gets Rs 50 Crore
Satheesan also proposed setting up a tribal university in Wayanad, allocating Rs 50 crore for the project. Rajendra Prasad, president of Thampu, an NGO working for tribal welfare, welcomed the initiatives but emphasized the need for proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act to ensure genuine benefits for adivasi communities. He also called for a judicial commission to address alienated lands of tribal people.
