Kerala government declares wildlife attacks a State-specific disaster
- March 7, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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