New legislation planned to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts: Saseendran
The decision to move forward in this regard was based on an advice received from the Advocate General, who suggested that the State could utilise the provisions of the Concurrent List to enact such a law. While the drafting process has begun, it would likely be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, the Minister told mediapersons on Thursday.
He added that the decision to draft the law was taken on the instruction of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The government plans to introduce the Bill in the Legislative Assembly session scheduled for next month.
The move comes in the wake of widespread criticism that existing Central laws and regulations are impractical in addressing the State's challenges. Several quarters have argued that the current legal framework heavily favours wildlife protection, often at the expense of human safety and livelihoods.
The Minister said the new legislation aimed at balancing the interests of both humans and wildlife. It would deviate from current norms by giving greater consideration to human concerns in conflict scenarios.
The draft will, however, undergo further discussions within the Cabinet and among constituent members of the ruling Left Democratic Front. Public opinion will also be solicited and considered before the Bill is finalised and introduced in the assembly, he added.
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