‘State has authority to kill creatures posing danger to human life and property’, says union forest minister

WAYANAD: Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav said the state has the authority to deal with the creatures that pose a threat to human life and property. The minister while talking in Wayanad said the Rs 10 lakhs given to the kin of the victims of wildlife attacks is Centre’s allocation and the state can increase if it wants.

According to Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the state is empowered to deal with wildlife that poses a danger to humans. They have the right to capture, tranquilize and kill such animals. Therefore, the Kerala government should be ready to protect the farmers of Wayanad and their crops by using this law properly,' said Bhupender Yadav.

The Kerala government had repeatedly said that the central laws will be an obstacle despite the people's repeated demands to chase or kill the wild animals that are a constant nuisance. The minister said this when this question was repeated today. However, if it is an animal like a tiger, central permission will have to be sought, he said. The minister said that even if it is through a phone call, permission will be given in such extreme cases.