Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Saturday that forest minister Shibu Baby John's statement that it would take two years for the UDF government to effectively address human-animal conflict in Kerala was irresponsible. Vijayan argued that such a stance contradicted the promises made by the UDF before the elections.
Government's Lack of Will
Vijayan stated, "The government, which should show the will to safeguard people's lives and security, is washing its hands of the issue, causing public anxiety. In recent days, Kerala has witnessed multiple deaths and heavy damage as a result of wildlife attacks. Those who promised to put an end to wildlife attacks are now backtracking, leaving affected communities completely vulnerable."
Previous LDF Government's Efforts
Vijayan pointed out that the previous LDF government had drawn up comprehensive action plans to reduce human-wildlife conflict. He accused the current government of merely repackaging those plans and presenting them as new. "Through commitment, scientific methods, and constant vigilance, the previous government was able to intervene and significantly reduce the conflict. The very people who once tried to pin all the blame on the state government are now dodging responsibility by saying they have no new remedies," he said.
Obstacles Posed by Central Laws
Vijayan highlighted that a major obstacle to tackling wildlife attacks was the Wildlife Protection Act introduced by Indira Gandhi in 1972. He noted that this subject, previously under the full authority of states, was shifted to the concurrent list. "Under Article 252 of the Constitution, this law was passed by Parliament, and Section 11(1)(a) along with the strict restrictions it imposes are major challenges before us. Congress, which enacted the law, and the BJP, which is unwilling to update it with timely amendments, are equally culpable on this issue. Even so, within the limits of the federal framework, previous LDF governments tried to provide maximum relief to people living in forest regions. As part of that effort, the previous government passed the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill and the Forest Amendment Bill. However, the governor withheld assent and eventually forwarded them to the President. The forest minister's pre-emptive defense that central laws are the obstacle is proof of the UDF's double standards," Vijayan said.
Cost of Governmental Negligence
Vijayan concluded, "At this moment, when the UDF government is retreating from promises made to hill-region communities, four human lives have been lost. This must be remembered as the cost of governmental negligence. The government must be willing to address the wildlife issue with sincerity toward the people."
