Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has declared that the Forest Department will ensure the safety of residents in forest regions and will introduce an insurance plan in hilly areas in collaboration with local panchayats. The minister stated that the department will be accountable for providing compensation in case of any untoward incidents.
He mentioned ongoing discussions with public sector insurance firms to implement the insurance scheme. Additionally, the Forest Department aims to engage farmers, foster cooperation between forest officials and local communities, and execute these measures as part of the state government’s 100-day agenda.
As part of the program, the department plans to increase the coverage of solar fencing in Kerala from 2,000 km to 2,500 km initially, eventually expanding to 3,000 km. This initiative targets the reduction of human-animal conflicts, especially in areas bordering forests.
Engineer-turned-politician John highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive study on the rising tiger population in Wayanad. He emphasized the need for adequate habitat space for tigers, as the current available area per tiger in Wayanad is insufficient, leading to frequent tiger-related incidents in the district.
The minister advocated for augmenting the number of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to effectively handle wildlife emergencies. Furthermore, a state-level consultative committee will be established to address human-wildlife conflict issues, alongside action plans for grassland restoration and invasive plant species removal.
In response to escalating wild boar attacks, the Forest Department will conduct a special drive on June 15, including a panchayat-wise wild boar census and the preparation of a list of authorized shooters at the local level to mitigate the threat. John emphasized the department’s commitment to harmonizing wildlife conservation with the interests of farmers and local residents near forests, continuing the legacy of his father, veteran former state minister Baby John.
