Animal-human conflict in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 837 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2023

Animal-human conflict in Kerala

837. SMT. P. T. USHA:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of the increasing animal-human conflict in Kerala in the vicinity of forest reserves;

(b) if so, the details of the steps being taken by Government to prevent such conflicts; and

(c) whether Government intends to increase the quantum of compensation for the victims of wild animal attacks in Kerala and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) and (b) Incidences of wild animal attacks have been reported from various parts of the country including from the state of Kerala.The steps taken by Government for protection of wildlife and management of human-wildlife conflict include the following:

i. A network of Protect Areas namely viz., national park, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserving covering important wildlife habitat have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.

ii. The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for management of wildlife and its habitat in the country. The activities supported under the scheme include construction/erection of physical barriers such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing using cactus, boundary walls etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into crop fields;

iii. An advisory on dealing with human-wildlife conflict has been issued by the Ministry in February 2021. The Advisory recommends coordinated interdepartmental action, identification of conflict hot spots, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, establishment of rapid response teams, formation of State and District level committees to review the quantum of ex-gratia relief, issuing guidance/instructions for expedited payments, and provision of adequate funds for suitable portion of ex-gratia relief to be paid within 24 hours to the affected persons in the case of death and injury to persons.

iv. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also issued Guidelines to States/UTs on 3rd June, 2022 on managing Human Wildlife conflict including damage to crops. It includes promotion of crops in forest fringe areas which are unpalatable to wild animals, agro forestry models which include cash crops like chillies, lemon grass, khus grass etc. suitably mixed with tree/shrub species. It also includes preparation and implementation of comprehensive longterm plan for alternate cropping by the state Agriculture/Horticulture Department under different schemes in vulnerable areas.

v. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides regulatory functions for dealing with human wildlife conflict situations.

(c) The Ministry provides funds to States/UTs for ex- gratia payment for loss of life or property caused by wild animalsunder the Centrally Sponsored Schemes Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephantas follows: S. No. Nature of damage caused by wild animals Amount of ex-gratia relief

(a) Death or permanent incapacitation to human beings Rs.5 lakh

(b) Grievous injury Rs. 2 lakh

(c) Minor injury Cost of treatment upto Rs 25000/- (d) Loss of property/crops States /UTs may adhere to the cost norms prescribed by them.

The States/Union Territories pay compensation as per their norms. The amount of compensation varies from State to State.