Kerala government declares wildlife attacks a State-specific disaster

Subject: Environment

Section: Env legislation and organisation

Context:

On March 6, the State Cabinet of Kerala declared human-wildlife conflict a State-specific disaster, acknowledging the rising incidents of deaths, injuries, and property losses due to wildlife encroachments from forests.

Details:

The declaration enables Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to actively engage in mitigating such conflicts.
A high-level committee chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been established to address the wildlife threat, particularly towards plantation workers and tribal communities. This committee includes Forest, Revenue, Local Self-Governments, and SC/ST Welfare Ministers, along with their department secretaries.
District-level committees, led by the Minister in charge of the district and including District Collectors and heads of various departments like KSDMA, will also be formed.
An inter-state coordination committee with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu officials will oversee forest areas adjoining the three states, aiming for a unified approach to managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Community Involvement:

Neighbourhood watch groups will be created to enhance vigilance and provide early warnings of wildlife presence and movement.
Volunteer groups, wildlife enthusiasts, and environmentalists have been enlisted to assist in containing human-wildlife conflicts.

Operational and Surveillance Enhancements:

The Chief Wildlife Warden has been appointed as the nodal officer for conflict prevention, overseeing a 24/7 control room.
Recruitment of additional forest watchers to improve wildlife monitoring.
Plantation managers are instructed to clear undergrowth for better visibility and tracking of wild animals.
The Forest Department is directed to form more rapid response teams equipped with firearms, surveillance devices, tranquiliser guns, etc.
Initiatives to provide sufficient fodder and water within protected reserves to deter wildlife from encroaching on human habitats.

Compensation and Funding:

Expedited compensation for wildlife attack victims, exempting payments from treasury restrictions.
Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIFFB) is tasked with raising ₹210 crore for protective measures like fences, moats, and early warning systems near forest boundaries.

Source: TH