THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has raised concerns about the increasing number of deaths caused by wild animal attacks in Kerala. He questioned how many more lives would be lost before the government takes action. Recently, two individuals collecting honey in Athirappally were killed by a wild elephant, and another tribal youth lost his life in Malakkapara due to a similar attack. Other wild animals like leopards, tigers, wild boars, and buffaloes are also venturing out and attacking humans, leaving people in hilly areas living in fear.

Chennithala criticized the government for failing to implement effective measures to resolve the human-wildlife conflict. He pointed out that farming has become nearly impossible in villages near forests due to frequent crop destruction by wild elephants and boars. Everyday activities like taking children to school or buying essentials have also become dangerous. Over the past few years, nearly a thousand people have died in such incidents, and the financial losses from crop damage remain uncalculated.

He urged the government and forest department to wake up from their inaction and prioritize the safety of people living in hilly regions. Stressing that human life is more valuable than animal life, he demanded immediate implementation of plans to protect these vulnerable communities.