Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday accused the Central government of showing “no cooperation” with the state in addressing the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict.
Speaking after launching a Forest Department project here aimed at curbing wild animal attacks, Vijayan said the state had been forced to shoulder the burden as the Centre had failed to respond positively to its proposals.
“In the last five years, Rs 79.14 crore has been disbursed as compensation in cases of deaths caused by wildlife attacks. In 2023–24 alone, 95 per cent of applicants received compensation. Yet, only a minimal share of this amount comes from the Central government. Despite repeated requests to enhance the funding, no favourable decision has been taken,” he alleged.
The chief minister stressed that the state would not evade responsibility. “This year’s budget earmarks Rs 70 crore for projects to counter wildlife attacks,” he said.
Vijayan criticised the Centre for rejecting Kerala’s request to declare wild boars, which have been damaging farmlands, as vermin. “The Union government maintains that animals listed under Schedules 1 and 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, whether inside or outside forests, must be treated as wildlife and that the law cannot be altered. This rigid stance is hindering solutions,” he said.
He added that procedures surrounding human-wildlife conflict cases were complex and needed simplification. “Hiding these facts, the Centre is trying to blame the state. Without understanding the real situation, some are questioning the state government. They should recognise the reality,” he remarked.
According to Vijayan, 854 people have died in wildlife-related incidents over the past nine years in Kerala, including 594 deaths due to snakebites outside forest areas. He recalled that the state had declared human-wildlife conflict a “state disaster” last year.
The chief minister highlighted the scale of the issue, saying, “There are 400 panchayats in Kerala affected by wild animal attacks. Among them, 273 face regular incidents, while 30 report frequent attacks. This must be resolved at any cost, because it concerns human lives.”
To address the problem, conflict-prone regions have been divided into 12 zones for targeted interventions. “Detailed studies are being conducted in these zones, and once completed, they will form the basis for a comprehensive policy to reduce conflicts,” he said.
On preventive measures, Vijayan said the state had already installed 1,954 km of solar fencing along forest boundaries, with another 794 km under progress. He added that efforts were underway to protect natural habitats within forests by revitalising ponds, ensuring water supply, eliminating invasive weeds, and planting fruit-bearing trees.
The chief minister also pointed to improved emergency response measures. “New Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been formed, bringing the total to 28. In addition, satellite RRTs based at forest stations have begun functioning,” he said.
On the rising toll from snakebites, Vijayan said the government would intensify efforts to prevent such deaths. “The second phase of the SARPA project will soon be launched. Research will also be undertaken to develop an antivenom, and we will ensure that antivenom supplies are available in all hospitals,” he assured.
With PTI inputs