Kerala's Forest Department Faces Budget Reduction in Interim Financial Plan
The Government of Kerala has implemented a notable reduction in the financial allocation designated for the state's forest department in its latest interim budget. The allocation has been decreased from Rs 305 crore in the previous budget to Rs 288.60 crore in the current interim budget, marking a significant shift in resource distribution for environmental and wildlife management.
Finance Minister Highlights Human-Wildlife Conflict as Priority Issue
During the budget speech, Finance Minister K N Balagopal provided detailed insights into the various missions and initiatives launched by the department specifically aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict. He emphasized that Kerala has achieved a pioneering status by becoming the first state in India to officially declare human-wildlife conflict as a special state disaster, underscoring the severity and urgency of the issue.
Minister Balagopal further announced that the compensation provided for human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala ranks among the highest in the country, reflecting the state's commitment to addressing the welfare of affected communities and individuals.
Contrasting Allocations for Plantations and Conservation Efforts
Interestingly, while the state government asserts that its policy focuses on reducing monoculture plantations to help mitigate conflicts, the budget simultaneously allocates Rs 5 crore for increasing plantation stock under the 'Big Tree Plantations' project. This initiative is designed to generate revenue for the state exchequer, presenting a potential contradiction in the stated environmental objectives.
For infrastructure development related to 'forest conservation', a substantial allocation of Rs 50 crore has been earmarked, indicating continued investment in preserving forest ecosystems despite the overall budget cut.
Government Acknowledges Conservation Success Leading to Increased Conflicts
The government has acknowledged that successful conservation activities have paradoxically led to an increase in human-wildlife conflicts within the state. This admission highlights the complex challenges faced in balancing wildlife protection with human safety and agricultural interests.
Officials have placed blame on the Union government for not amending existing wildlife conservation rules, suggesting that federal policy changes are necessary to address the escalating conflict situation more effectively.
Budget Silent on Critical Issue of Forest Fragmentation
Despite the comprehensive discussion of various aspects of human-wildlife conflict, the budget remains notably silent on specific measures to reduce forest fragmentation. This issue is recognized as a major contributing factor to conflicts, particularly in the high ranges of Kerala, where habitat fragmentation exacerbates human-animal encounters.
The absence of targeted allocations or policy announcements addressing forest fragmentation represents a significant gap in the government's stated approach to conflict mitigation, leaving stakeholders questioning the comprehensive effectiveness of the current budgetary measures.
