Addressing the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala's Wayanad District, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, undertook a field visit to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Wayanad, Kerala. Accompanied by senior officers from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Yadav gained firsthand insights into the challenges faced by local communities.
The visit culminated in a high-level meeting at the Wayanad District Collectorate in Kalpetta, attended by key stakeholders including the Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala, the District Collector of Wayanad, and the Superintendent of Police of Wayanad. Representatives from various departments such as Forest & Wildlife, Tourism, and Local Self Government of Kerala also participated, highlighting the multidimensional approach required to address the complex issue.
During the meeting, Yadav unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at providing tangible solutions to the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts. These initiatives include the development of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) as a Center for handholding with states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and the facilitation of inter-state coordination meetings to enhance cooperation among Southern states on wildlife issues.
Moreover, the Ministry will support capacity building efforts for frontline staff and departments, focusing on the use of early warning systems, modern technology, and equipment for better management of human-wildlife conflicts. An allocation of Rs 15.82 Crore has been sanctioned for Kerala during the Financial Year 2023-24 under various schemes, with further funding support considered based on the state's demands for site-specific mitigation measures.
Additionally, the Wildlife Institute of India will assist in formulating corridor management plans in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to ensure the seamless movement of wildlife. Site-specific elephant-proof fences will be constructed, with states having the option to seek funding support from the Central Government under CAMPA and other schemes.
In a significant move, ex-gratia payments for human casualties have been increased from Rs 5.0 lakh to Rs 10.0 lakh, with states urged to ensure prompt and transparent disbursement of compensation to affected families. Minister Yadav also reiterated that the State Chief Wildlife Warden holds authority under Section 11 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to take necessary actions to manage human-wildlife conflicts effectively.
The unveiling of these initiatives reflects a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad and neighboring regions. Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between stakeholders at all levels to achieve lasting solutions and ensure the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.
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