T’puram/Kottayam: Forest and wildlife minister Shibu Baby John said the govt will prepare a comprehensive strategy to address human-wildlife conflict in the state.Speaking after inaugurating review meetings held in the constituencies of Konni and Ranni to address issues and work out solutions, John said that the plan will focus on three key areas – keeping wild animals within forests, minimizing damage when they enter inhabited areas and ensuring timely compensation for affected people.“To prevent animals from straying out, the availability of resources inside forests will be examined. Along with measures such as trenches, solar fencing and hanging fences, new methods will be developed based on scientific studies,” John said.He said that wild animals that enter settlements will be driven back safely without putting people at risk. “Steps will also be taken, in consultation with the chief minister, to increase compensation amounts. Crop insurance is one of the govt’s declared goals, and it will be implemented with public sector insurance companies in a low-premium model,” he added.The state’s forest areas will be classified into 12 zones based on the nature of wildlife conflict, and a tailored action plan will be drawn up for each, he said.To approach Centre on wild boar issueJohn said he would also hold discussions with the Union forest minister on issues, including crop destruction caused by wild boars. Legislation to control wild animals straying out of forests and threatening lives and property will also be discussed. More licensed shooters will be appointed to cull wild boars, he added.He noted that boars currently found in inhabited areas are not strictly “wild” — they are descendants of animals that have bred and grown up here, yet still enjoy the same legal protection as wild boar. Forest department estimates suggest there are now more boars in inhabited areas than inside forests, and controlling them will require joint efforts by farmers and the department.Under existing law, boars cannot be killed for commercial use of their meat. The possibility of using the meat as zoo feed was also examined and ruled out.The minister said farmers cannot be permitted to use rubber bullets to drive the animals away. Several proposals to confine elephants within forest boundaries are under examination.“Since jackfruit is one of the major factors attracting wild elephants into settlements, a joint plan with the agriculture department will be prepared to collect and store jackfruit in advance from the next season onward. Farmers will be paid a fair price, and jackfruit from trees near forest borders will be harvested before ripening,” John said.“An allocation of Rs 192 crore has been made in the current financial year for wildlife conflict mitigation activities. Agencies that fail to complete forest department works on time will be removed,” John said.He said that a workshop will be held in Thiruvananthapuram next month for elected representatives from local bodies along forest borders, and their suggestions will be incorporated into future plans.
