Local bodies identified as human-wildlife conflict zones in Kerala under risk assessment

The forest department has identified 273 local bodies as human-wildlife conflict zones in the state.

A preliminary assessment, which mapped panchayats and municipalities in terms of risks associated with wildlife invasions and attacks, classified nine local bodies as highly conflict-prone, 21 as high-risk and the remaining 243 as moderately conflict-prone.

The local bodies identified as facing the highest risk are Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery municipalities in Wayanad; Kuttampuzha and Mankulam panchayats in Idukki; and Noolpuzha, Panamaram, Thavinhal, Thirunelly and Thondernad panchayats in Wayanad.

Targeted Mitigation

The department is conducting a detailed assessment of various factors at the field level to finalize the classification and strengthen targeted mitigation measures in these areas.

12 forest landscapes across Kerala have been identified to pinpoint conflict zones, focus on resource efficiency and preserve natural wildlife migration routes.

The state government’s mitigation strategy was discussed at a meeting of local body representatives and forest officials on Tuesday, during which Forest Minister Shibu Baby John announced that compensation for those who lose their lives or livelihoods due to wildlife attacks will be increased by 50%.

He added that the government would take measures to prevent delays in issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) to farmers in forest border areas. Forest officials have been asked to issue such permits within three months provided there are no legal hurdles in the applications.

Special adalats

The government will also hold special adalats in August as part of the ongoing 100-day action plan to ensure timely payment of compensation. In addition, a new insurance system will also be introduced for people living in the peripheral areas of the forest.

Responding to concerns raised by various participants in the meeting, the minister said the center had agreed in principle to consider the state’s proposal to amend the Wildlife Protection Act and move macaques from Schedule I to Schedule II.

Besides, in view of the growing menace of wild boars in the forest border villages, the presidents of panchayats in the affected areas have been given honorary wildlife warden status. They will be authorized to allow authorized shooters to kill wild boars entering human settlements. In case of insufficient number of authorized shooters, the services of rifle clubs can also be used, Mr. John added.

As part of strengthening the response mechanism, the government will set up 25 additional rapid response teams and hire 500 staff to form 100 rescue teams, each consisting of five members and operating at the panchayat level. Preference for recruitment will be given to eligible indigenous youth and forest department rank list candidates who are yet to secure employment.

Local Government Minister KM Shaji presided over the meeting. Among those present were Forest Department Secretary K. Biju, Forest Force Chief Rajesh Ravindran, Senior Conservator P. Pugazhendi, Local Government Department Chief Director Divya S. Iyer.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 21:04 IST