Kerala Cabinet Forges Path to Protect Lives and Livelihoods: Approves Controlled Culling Bill for Wild Animals

In a landmark decision aimed at mitigating the escalating human-wildlife conflict, the Kerala Cabinet has given its nod to a crucial draft bill. This legislation seeks to empower the state to permit the controlled culling of wild animals, specifically those posing significant threats to human lives and agricultural crops across the region.

The move comes as a direct response to the growing clamour from affected communities, grappling with frequent attacks and extensive crop damage.

The proposed bill is set to introduce stringent yet necessary measures, allowing for 'problem-causing' wild animals to be officially declared as 'vermin'.

This declaration would then pave the way for their controlled culling. The state government will be instrumental in identifying and notifying specific areas and animal species where such measures are deemed essential. Crucially, the authority to issue culling orders will be devolved to Gram Panchayats, ensuring that local self-governments, intimately familiar with the ground realities, play a pivotal role in the decision-making process.

To ensure responsible execution, the culling operations will be entrusted to authorized personnel.

This includes trained Forest Department staff, licensed gun owners, and other individuals deemed competent by the state. It's important to note that the bill explicitly prohibits any culling activities within the ecologically sensitive confines of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves, underscoring a commitment to preserving critical habitats.

Beyond immediate control measures, the draft bill also emphasizes a holistic approach, advocating for self-defense mechanisms and preventive strategies against animal attacks.

Furthermore, it addresses the long-standing issue of compensation for losses incurred due to wild animal encounters. The new law aims to streamline and regularize the payment of compensation for loss of life, injury, and crop damage, providing much-needed relief to victims.

Currently, the power to declare an animal as vermin rests solely with the Central government under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

This new bill is a significant step towards granting the state of Kerala more autonomy in managing its unique wildlife challenges, enabling a more agile and effective response to human-wildlife interface issues. The approval signifies Kerala's proactive stance in balancing ecological conservation with the pressing need to safeguard its citizens and their livelihoods.