The government of Kerala is pushing for significant amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972,aiming to enhance its ability to manage human-wildlife conflicts. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John will present these demands during a meeting with Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday .
One of the key proposals is to empower Chief Conservators of Forests at circle level to authorize the hunting of wild animals deemed dangerous to human safety. Currently,the legal framework delays urgent actions against such animals,especially those classified as Schedule I species,which increases risks to both life and property. Mr. John plans to emphasize the need for revising existing protocols for managing problematic wildlife, particularly man-eating tigers and leopards.
Kerala's government argues that senior field officers should have emergency powers to act swiftly in these situations. The state is also advocating for simplified procedures for capturing and relocating dangerous animals to ensure timely interventions.
In addition to these measures, the state seeks permission for aerial translocation of Schedule I animals that come into conflict with humans. This operation would be supported by Indian Air Force, with the state requesting that such translocations occur either at no cost or at reduced rates.
Another pressing issue is management of wild pig populations . Kerala is calling for the declaration of wild pigs as vermin in local bodies experiencing high levels of conflict with these animals. state also seeks to relax regulations regarding the exclusion of certain areas,like Pamba Valley and Angel Valley,from the Periyar Tiger Reserve and human habitation zones from the Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary .
Furthermore,Kerala plans to request the reclassification of bonnet macaque from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act. This change would facilitate better population management and conflict mitigation efforts for this species .
To bolster its wildlife management strategies, Kerala aims to collaborate with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Indian Institute of Forest Management. These partnerships would focus on studying wildlife population dynamics,assessing the carrying capacity of forest ecosystems, and developing sustainable wildlife management practices.
The state also intends to propose the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on human-wildlife conflict management within the Wildlife Protection Act. This chapter would outline provisions for managing conflicts that occur outside forest areas and emphasize habitat management.
Kerala is seeking enhanced central support for effectively addressing human-wildlife conflicts and conserving the Western Ghats. The state spends approximately ₹20.05 crore annually on compensation for victims of wildlife conflicts, while the average allocation under the relevant state budget is only ₹5.65 crore. Kerala argues that it should be allowed to bridge this funding gap through appropriate budgetary measures .
Additionally, the state is advocating for a dedicated central scheme to provide compensation and support for mitigation and coexistence measures . A special package worth ₹450 crore is also on the agenda, aimed at facilitating the voluntary relocation and rehabilitation of tribal settlements and vulnerable communities from high-conflict areas to safer locations.
