THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet meeting has decided to declare human-wildlife conflict as a state-specific disaster, in view of the tragedies due to wildlife attacks. State Disaster Management Authority will also be included for coordination in disaster areas. Four committees were formed for conflict mitigation. The head of the forest department has been tasked to pay compensation as soon as possible. Its expenditure will be exempted from treasury controls. Progress should be assessed by the Forest Secretary. A committee comprising international and national experts will be formed to formulate preventive measures. Inter-State Coordination Committee meetings will be held with officials from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Chief Wildlife Warden will be made the nodal officer to deal with human-wildlife conflict. The control room will function under the charge of the Chief Wildlife Warden at the Forest Department headquarters. WhatsApp groups will also be set up to warn people from time to time in areas where wildlife attacks are likely. More temporary watchers will be appointed. Ensure that the animals get enough water. The help of public sector and private institutions will be sought to prepare a temporary system for this. The area adjacent to the forest will be cleared of bushes. Rapid response teams will be strengthened. Vigilance committees will be formed.

Disaster Relief Fund can be used. If declared as a state calamity, the Disaster Management Authority can spend 10 percent of the disaster response fund provided by the Center, including compensation. Money from the state disaster response funds can also be used. Loans for victims of assault and homicide can be forgiven and written off. Money from District Disaster Response Fund and State Disaster Relief Fund can also be spent. At present, it is paid from the exchequer.

210 crores will be provided, with 110 crores through KIIFB in addition to the 100 crores currently allocated to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Four committees will compete:

1. State level committee: The Chief Minister will be the Chairman, and the Ministers of Forest, Revenue, Local Self-Government, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be the members. The Chief Secretary will be the convener.

2. Controlling Committee: It is the committee which issues directives and orders. The Chief Secretary will be the Chairman. Secretaries of Home, Revenue, Forests, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Local Government and Agriculture Departments, Chief Forest Officer, PCCF, Chief Wildlife Warden and Member Secretary of the Disaster Management Authority are members.

3. District Committee: District Head Minister will be the Chairman. Control system of District Collector, SP, DFO, District Medical Officer (Health), LSGD, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Deputy Directors, District Agriculture Department Officer and District Animal Welfare Department Officer. The work of the district will be under the supervision of this committee.

4. Local Committee: It is a committee headed by local self-government bodies. Measures to prevent wildlife conflict at the local level will be prepared and implemented. President of the local body, Forest Department, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Health, Police, NGO representatives and Tehsildar will be included.