THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday decided to deploy emergency response forces in nine more centres in the face of increased wildlife attacks. At present, there are Rapid Action Forces at eight locations.

The Rapid Action Force will work under the Forest Department. New Rapid Action Teams are being established at Palode in Thiruvananthapuram Division, Thenmala in Punalur Division, Vandanpathal in Kottayam Division, Kadalar in Mankulam Division, Kothamangalam in Kothamangalam Division, Palappilly in Chalakudy Division, Kollengode in Nenmara Division, Karuvarakundu in Nilambur South Division and Mananthavady in North Wayanad Division.

To fast track the implementation, sanction was also given for the creation of nine posts each of Section Forest Officer, Forest Driver and Part Time Sweeper.

In 2024, six people died of wild tusker attacks in Kerala. Tigers, bears and wild buffaloes have entered human habitats while elephants caused extensive damage to crops. Rapid action forces will be deployed to repatriate animals back to the forest area and build trenches, solar fences and walls to prevent animals from venturing into the residential areas.

At present, there are Rapid Action Forces in Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Nilambur, Palakkad, Mannarkkad, Ranni and Peppara.