In response to rising human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in Kerala’s Wayanad District, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, conducted a field visit to Bandipur National Park and Wayanad. The visit aimed to assess the situation firsthand, accompanied by senior officers from the Ministry and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
On February 22, 2024, Shri Yadav chaired a meeting in Wayanad, discussing the issue with local representatives, including MLAs and the District Panchayat President. The meeting included officials from Kerala’s Forest & Wildlife, Tourism, and Local Self-Government departments.
Key Outcomes and Initiatives:
- Development of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) as a Center for Handholding: SACON, under WII, will become a center for assisting states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
- Inter-State Coordination Meetings: To enhance cooperation, coordination, and collaboration on wildlife issues, inter-state coordination meetings will be facilitated by the Ministry.
- Capacity Building: The Ministry will support capacity building for frontline staff and departments, focusing on early warning systems, modern technology, equipment, and tracking systems.
- Funding Support: An allocation of Rs 15.82 Crore for 2023-24 has been sanctioned to Kerala. Further funding under CAMPA and other schemes will be considered based on the State’s proposals.
- Corridor Management Planning: Wildlife Institute of India will assist in preparing corridor management plans in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Elephant Proof Fences: Site-specific elephant-proof fences may be created, with the state government seeking funding support from the Central Government.
- Enhanced Compensation: Ex-gratia payment for human casualties has been increased from Rs 5.0 Lakh to Rs 10.0 Lakh. States are urged to ensure immediate and transparent payments.
- Permission for Mitigation Measures: Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act empowers State Chief Wildlife Wardens to take necessary actions for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
The Minister emphasised a collaborative approach, urging states to actively participate in these initiatives to address the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts effectively.