Rapid intervention to prevent wildlife attack; Kerala and Karnataka signs inter-state agreement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala and Karnataka have signed an inter-state agreement to deal with frequent wildlife attacks that has been happening recently. There are four main proposals in the agreement. The meeting was chaired by Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre. Tamil Nadu Forest Minister M Mathiventhan could not attend the meeting. Instead, a senior Forest Department official who is the Mutumalai Field Director represented Mathiventhan in the meeting.

Four objectives included in the agreement

1. Mark the human-wildlife conflict zone. Find the root cause of wildlife attacks. Look for ways to alleviate the problem.
2. Avoid delay in taking action on problems. Action for rapid intervention
3. Resource collaboration, quick transfer of information and ensuring expert service
4. Increase resource development, infrastructure development and efficiency.

Functioning of Interstate Coordination Committee ICC (Interstate Coordination Committee)

1. A Nodal Officer

2. Assistant Nodal Officers to connect the States

3. An Advisory Committee

4. Members from three states

5. Working Group (to deal with the problem area)

At the same time, AK Saseendran said that there should be a timely change in the Wildlife Act considering the needs of Kerala. The situation is not the same as it was decades ago. There is a rumour that the Chief Wildlife Warden has been given all the powers. However, there are several criteria they must meet. There is a need for several amendments in the Central Act to help people during wildlife attacks. The Centre has the responsibility to ensure that the States have the necessary funds to carry out the activities. AK Saseendran said that the lack of sufficient funds for the activities is not only a crisis in Kerala, but all three states are facing it.

Eshwar Khandre also alleged that there is no central assistance to prevent wildlife attacks. He asked how can wild elephants be prevented from entering the human-inhabited area if there is no central assistance for rail fencing.