Wild animals coming to human habitats must be killed: Kerala government planning to approach Centre for permission to kill

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet meeting has decided to approach the Centre for permission to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and property. Legal experts point out that the possibility of getting permission for this move ahead of the Nilambur by-election is limited. This demand has already been rejected by the Centre.

The Centre had earlier rejected Kerala's demand to declare wild boars as vermin. If declared as vermin, they can be killed without following the provisions of the law. The power to declare them as vermin is vested in the central government under Section 62 of the Wildlife Protection Act. Wild animals like tigers and wild elephants are also included in the protected category. Therefore, it is considered impossible for the states alone to make special laws.

Many obstacles to killing

• The Chief Wildlife Warden can order the killing of wild animals that pose a danger to human life. However, a report from the District Magistrate must be obtained stating that the wildlife is in a populated area and poses a danger. This will take time.

• Under CrPC 133-1-F, the Collector can order the killing of a nuisance animal. However, the Collector's order will be against the Wildlife Protection Act. Even if the Collector orders it, the permission of the Wildlife Warden will also be required.

Human Deaths from Wild Animal Conflicts

(As on 31st January 2025)

Year - Tiger - Wild Elephant - Wild Buffalo - Wild Boar - Snake--Total

2020-21 ---- 1 ---- 27 ---- 0 ---- 8 ---- 52 ---- 88

2021-22 ---- 1 ---- 35 ---- 3 ---- 6 ---- 65 ---- 110

2022-23 ---- 1 ---- 27 ---- 1 ---- 7 ---- 48 ---- 84

2023-24 ---- 1 ---- 22 ---- 4 --- 11 ---- 34 ---- 72

2024-25 ---- 1 ---- 12 ---- 0 ---- 8 ---- 31 ---- 52

Central permission sought for Panchayats to kill

Local body chairmen and secretaries can issue orders to shoot and kill wild boars that cause damage to agriculture, life and property. The Centre's permission will be sought to kill monkeys, porcupines, etc. in a similar manner.

The government is also considering amending the Wildlife Protection Act to give the state the power to declare dangerous animals as vermin and to regulate their births. The cabinet meeting tasked the Chief Secretary of Forests with preparing a proposal for the amendment of the law in consultation with the AG and the Law Secretary.

Earlier, legal advice was received that the state did not have the power to amend the law. However, the Advocate General's legal advice is that since it is a subject in the Concurrent List, which is under the jurisdiction of the Center and the state, it can be amended.