Union Budget ignores Kerala’s plea for support amid growing human-wildlife conflicts

The Union Budget offers no solace for Kerala that has been grappling with escalating human-wildlife conflicts amid a severe resource crunch.

The Forest department recently submitted a memorandum to the Centre requesting a special package of ₹620 crore to address the growing crisis. The absence of adequate budgetary support could also further hinder efforts to provide compensations to conflict victims, with the State expected to shoulder a major share of the financial burden.

Two months ago, Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran raised the issue during a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, emphasising the need for special financial assistance to implement a project aimed at managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Gained urgency

The demand gained urgency over the past few months, as the State saw a surge in wildlife incursions into human settlements, leading to tragic casualties. Just a week ago, a tribal woman was mauled to death by a tiger in Wayanad, sparking widespread protests. Following the incident, the government renewed its appeal for Central assistance, hiking its demand to ₹1,000 crore ahead of the Union Budget.

Expressing disappointment at the Centre’s perceived indifference to the State’s needs, Mr. Saseendran criticised the lack of recognition for the severity of the issue. “It is disheartening that the Union government does not acknowledge the urgency of assisting States grappling with human-wildlife conflicts,” he said.

“Despite this apathy, we cannot ignore the escalating situation, though our efforts may be hindered by reliance on our State’s limited financial resources.”

He remained hopeful that the State could tap into specific forest conservation and wildlife management schemes for assistance.

Master plan

The Forest department’s proposed ₹620 crore master plan prioritises infrastructure and human resource development. This includes the creation of rapid response teams, conflict management units, animal rescue centres, and the installation of physical barriers like solar power fences, bio-fences, and elephant-proof trenches. A study by the department identified 1,004 conflict-prone areas.

Official sources pointed out that the State government requested an allotment of ₹10 crore for compensation disbursal among conflict victims. In 2023-24, ₹21.79 crore was allocated, with the State covering a significant portion of the costs.