Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Saturday that forest minister Shibu Baby John’s statement that it would take two years for UDF govt to effectively address human-animal conflict in Kerala was irresponsible. Vijayan said such a stand contradicted with the promised given by UDF before election.“Govt, which should show the will to safeguard people’s lives and security, is washing its hands of the issue and that has caused public anxiety. In recent days, Kerala has witnessed multiple deaths and heavy damage as a result of wildlife attacks. Those who promised to put an end to wildlife attacks are now backtracking, leaving affected communities completely vulnerable,” Vijayan said.“LDF govt had earlier drawn up comprehensive action plans to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Now, instead of offering any genuinely new solution, govt is merely repackaging those plans and presenting them in a new form. Through commitment, scientific methods and constant vigilance, the previous govt was able to intervene and significantly reduce the conflict. The very people who once tried to pin all the blame on state govt are now dodging responsibility by saying they have no new remedies,” he said.A major obstacle to tackling wildlife attacks was Wildlife Protection Act introduced by Indira Gandhi in 1972. It was during that period that this subject, previously under the full authority of states, was shifted to concurrent list.“Under Article 252 of Constitution, this law was passed by Parliament, and Section 11(1)(a) along with the strict restrictions it imposes are major challenges before us. Congress, which enacted the law, and the BJP, which is unwilling to update it with timely amendments, are equally culpable on this issue. Even so, within the limits of federal framework, previous LDF govts tried to provide maximum relief to people living in forest regions. As part of that effort, the previous govt passed Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill and Forest Amendment Bill. However, governor withheld assent and eventually forwarded them to President. Forest minister’s pre-emptive defence that central laws are the obstacle is proof of UDF’s double standards,” Vijayan said.“At this moment, when UDF govt is retreating from promises made to hill-region communities, four human lives have been lost. This must be remembered as the cost of governmental negligence. Govt must be willing to address wildlife issue with sincerity toward people,” he said.
