Mission Food Fodder and Water (FFW) to be implemented soon, says Min A K Saseendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister AK Saseendran promised to soon implement the Mission Food Fodder and Water (FFW) project to ensure water and food for wild animals in the forest as part of the intensive campaign to curb wild animals entering into human habitat.

The Disaster Management Authority has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the project which will be implemented in three phases. 63 hotspots of wildlife conflict have been identified in six ranges in the Wayanad forest area. The minister was speaking after the forest department held a high-level meeting in the wake of ghastly incidents including the killing of a tribal woman, who was mauled to death by a tiger.

Water and food are scarce in the forest now. Experts opine that this is the reason why wild animals are trudging into human habitats. The minister said that a special action plan has been prepared based on this.

• In the first phase (before February 10) data collection of forest fields, ponds, and streams will be done. Data will also be collected on grasslands, open woodlands and coop-truck paths.

• In the second phase (February 11 to April 30), brushwood check dams will be constructed on streams that dry up in summer. Mud and sand in ponds and dams will be removed and cleaned. In drought-prone areas, ponds will be dug or concrete tanks will be constructed.

• In the third phase (from May 1 onwards) invasive trees such as acacia and eucalyptus will be uprooted and destroyed to create grasslands and open spaces within the forest.