Latest news with #VSVijayan

Time of India

Wild elephant attacks decrease in Kerala due to new conflict prevention measures

1 2 3 4 Kochi: Wild elephants have been projected as one of the main villains in dealing humans fatal blows in their rising conflicts with animals in the state. However, human casualties in the fights with wild jumbos have decreased over the last few years in the high ranges, a data obtained by TOI through a Right to Information (RTI) query to the forest department has revealed. The data has come at a time when individuals, including religious organisations, are demanding a relaxation in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The RTI data shows that while 27 people died in Kerala in 2022-23, the number decreased to 19 in the last fiscal year and to eight till July 16 this financial year. Forest officials attribute the decline in casualties to measures taken as part of the recently launched Mission 10. An official from north Kerala said that Mission Solar Fencing and the establishment of 28 rapid response teams have significantly reduced conflicts. Solar fences are installed in areas where conflicts are reported. They are repaired either by forest employees or local body staff. In Wayanad alone, solar fencing covers 256km, approximately the road distance from Irinjalakuda to Thiruvananthapuram. "Forest staff, MGNREGA workers and local bodies repair the solar fences unlike in the past when damaged fences remained unattended for months and years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo We have set up a special workshop in Wayanad to repair energisers and batteries used in solar fencing and avoid taking them to Kozhikode. Additionally, forest field staff, equipped with digital voltage meters, check the voltage in the fences, which should be between 7-9 volts and discharged in pulses. Furthermore, Jana Jagratha Samithis are also being strengthened in areas where conflicts are reported," said the officer. Experts feel the conflicts could be brought down further if forest fragmentation, which is the main reason for conflicts in the high ranges, is addressed. Wildlife biologist and Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) wildlife biology division former head V S Vijayan notes that human encroachment and the decline in the natural resources available for animals altered the quality of the forest, forcing wild animals to come out. "The conflict issues were very few five decades ago, when humans started encroaching on the forest land in the state. Now we have invaded the forest almost extensively, resulting in animals losing their habitat. Besides, invasive plant species also deprive the animals of their resources," he said. With more conflicts surfacing and the media giving more attention to them, the state started witnessing many incidents of people getting agitated. A retired forest official noted that a religious organisation active in the high ranges exploits human-animal conflicts to "mobilise people politically". "That particular religious organisation cleverly uses the victim card. Another major element in the reported 'rising conflict' is the 'Smartphone effect', where a large number of smartphones and surveillance cameras are used to monitor each and every animal day and night," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.