Kerala hikes wildlife attack compensation by 50 pc; announces new plan to protect lives

The Kerala government has announced a 50 per cent increase in compensation for people who lose their lives or livelihoods due to human-wildlife conflict, a persistent challenge in the state. More than 1,500 people have lost their lives in such man-animal conflicts in the state over the past 15 years. At present, the financial assistance provided by Kerala to the legal heirs or dependents of individuals who die in such attacks ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹14 lakh.

Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John announced the decision while inaugurating a meeting of representatives of local self-government institutions sharing forest boundaries. The meeting was chaired by Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji.

The minister said the government would prepare a joint action plan involving multiple departments to mitigate the threat posed by wild animals. Delays in issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for farmers' lands in forest fringe areas will be eliminated. Officials have been directed to issue NOCs within three months wherever there are no legal hurdles, and action will be taken against those who deliberately delay the process.

As part of the government's 100-day action programme, special adalats will be organised in August to ensure the timely disbursal of compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflict. A new insurance scheme will also be introduced for residents of forest fringe areas. Separate adalats will be held to expedite the disposal of minor forest-related cases.

John also said the Union government has, in principle, agreed to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act to move the native monkey from Schedule I to Schedule II. Animals in Schedule II are still heavily protected against unauthorised hunting, poaching, or illegal trade, but they do not carry the absolute statutory restrictions reserved for Schedule I. Notably, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, taking lethal action or capture measures against a Schedule I species requires stringent, lengthy procedures and limited discretionary power.

Also, under the Act, Schedule I animals cannot be declared as vermin. Once a species is moved down to Schedule II, the government gains the legal mechanism to declare the species as vermin in specific geographical regions or for designated periods if its population explodes and causes severe crop/property damage.

Addressing the growing wild boar menace, the minister said panchayat presidents in forest-bordering local bodies have been designated honorary wildlife wardens. "They will be authorised to permit approved shooters to cull wild boars that stray into inhabited areas. Where approved shooters are insufficient, the services of rifle clubs may also be utilised," he said.

To strengthen mitigation efforts, the Forest Department has classified forest fringe areas into 12 landscapes based on the nature and intensity of human-wildlife conflict. These have been categorised into high-, elevated-, and moderate-risk zones. Identified hotspots will receive a three-tier protection system comprising AI-enabled sound and light deterrents, hanging fences, and protective walls. In elephant-prone areas, beehives will also be tested along fences as a natural deterrent.

The minister said the Forest Department would complete the phased installation of solar fencing in vulnerable areas and urged panchayats to take responsibility for maintaining the barriers by allocating funds through their development projects.

The government also plans to constitute 25 additional Rapid Response Teams. Besides this, 500 personnel will be recruited to form 100 rescue teams, each consisting of five members and operating from panchayat-level centres in forest fringe areas. Preference will be given to eligible tribal youth and candidates on the Forest Department's rank list who are yet to secure employment.

John also directed local self-government institutions to incorporate more human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures into their annual action plans.

Chairing the meeting, Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji said Rapid Response Teams must have a clear understanding of the challenges faced by panchayats along forest boundaries. He cautioned that other undesirable incidents could occur under the guise of human-wildlife conflict and stressed the need for scientific studies to ensure peaceful coexistence in these regions.