Keralam to strengthen grassroots measures against human-wildlife conflict

Shibu Baby John | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO The Keralam government is set to introduce a host of measures to strengthen grassroots-level efforts to tackle the growing problem of human-wildlife conflict in areas bordering forests.Permanent standing committees are expected to be formed in 273 local self-government institutions that share boundaries with forests, including nine local bodies that presently face severe human-wildlife conflict.The proposed initiative is intended to strengthen preventive measures at the local level and enable local bodies to respond more effectively to wildlife incursions.According to official sources, the panels are expected to enable local bodies to plan and implement preventive measures within their jurisdiction. These could include solar fencing, railway fencing, trenches and other protection and maintenance works in vulnerable areas.The committees will also play a role in finalising immediate preventive measures in areas where wild animals frequently enter human settlements, thereby allowing action to be taken at the grassroots level rather than relying solely on the existing forest division mechanism.The proposal was mooted at recent meetings held by Forest Minister Shibu Baby John and Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji. The government is also likely to establish constituency-level committees headed by legislators in constituencies that are affected by human-wildlife conflict. The panels will include panchayat presidents, elected representatives, forest and other government officials, sources added.The particular reform too is intended to ensure greater coordination and intervention closer to affected communities, with an enhanced role for people’s representatives.The government is also considering the appointment of an expert committee to assess compensation for losses resulting from wildlife attacks. At a recent meeting of MLAs and MPs, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had announced that the government would hike the compensation provided to families of people killed in wildlife attacks and to farmers who suffer crop losses. Published - September 07, 2026 07:05 pm IST