The Kerala government has extended by one year the validity of the ordinance allowing the controlled culling of wild boars that stray into human habitations and cause damage to lives, property and crops.
According to a recent order issued by the state forest department, the existing guidelines allowing the killing of wild boar under specified conditions will continue for another year from May 28, 2026.
The decision was taken after the Chief Conservation Officer recommended an extension, citing the continued presence of such animals in several parts of the state and the need to mitigate the threat to human life and agriculture.
Permits to hunt or kill wild boars that enter residential areas and cause damage may be issued by ordinance based on public complaints by an honorary conservationist or an authorized officer of a local government authority.
The government had earlier delegated certain powers of the chief wildlife warden to honorary wardens and commissioned officers to deal with the issue.
The regulation also states that the matter should be reviewed at the government level every three months, with the Chief Conservation Officer initiating the review process.
Data on culled wild boars must also be reported to the nearest forestry office every month by the relevant local government authorities.
Earlier orders on the matter will expire on May 27, 2026, prompting the government to extend them in view of the prevailing situation in the state.
Published – March 8, 2026 9:44 PM IST
