THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The master plan to provide facilities for wildlife in the forest and save the people outside from attacks could not be implemented. This is because the central government did not provide funds and the state government was unable to find funds on its own.

It was aimed to implement the master plan with a cost of Rs 620 crore in five years. The plan prepared by Chief Forest Conservators KR Anoop, K Vijayanand and wildlife researcher Dr Balasubramaniam was submitted to the Center in August 2022. Minister AK Saseendran held two discussions with Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav for the central fund. The Centre's reply on January 12 was that the money would not be allowed and that the state government would have to find it on their own.

The master plan suggests removing the habitat-destroying golden shower tree and replacing it with forest trees. As the golden shower tree grew in the forest, grass was destroyed. With this, the animals including the deer shifted to other places. Due to this, tigers and leopards who used to hunt them started coming to human habitats. The master plan covers the cause and solution of human-wildlife conflict.

To protect wildlife

• A natural food chain should be created in the forest.
• Swamps and wetlands on forest borders should be reclaimed
• Forest water bodies should be protected scientifically
• Wildlife monitoring system
• Watch towers should be built
• Centres to protect wild animals coming to human habitats

To save the people

• Construct bio fences on forest boundaries
• Hanging fences and solar fences in other places
• Form a Rapid Response Team
• Warning if wild animals cross the forest
• Move people away from wildlife conflict areas

'Possibilities of implementing the scheme are being explored'

- AK Saseendran, Forest Minister