Wayanad to get 60 km solar fencing as Kerala steps up wildlife conflict mitigation

The Kerala government will install 60 km of solar fencing along forest fringes in Wayanad district as part of its efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John said on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons at Kalpetta, the Minister said the project would be implemented under the State government’s 100-day action programme. He added that repair works on the existing 25 km of solar fencing in the district would also be completed.

Describing Wayanad as the district worst affected by human-wildlife conflict in the State, Mr. John said the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) had been entrusted with conducting a carrying capacity study of the district’s forests, taking into account the large number of human settlements located close to forest areas. As part of the study, the population of tigers and elephants would be assessed.

A comprehensive meeting involving Forest department officials has been scheduled for August 6 in Palakkad to discuss future management measures, he said. Mr. John also said he had held discussions with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on issues, including the relocation of tigers captured in different forests to other tiger reserves.

Emphasising the need for coordinated action, the Minister said, “Resolving issues related to forests and wildlife requires the coordinated efforts of farmers, the Forest department, elected representatives, local self-government institutions, and public vigilance committees. The government will ensure that farmers retain ownership of their land while forest land remains protected.”

As part of the 100-day programme, vegetation clearance would be undertaken along 100 km of Forest department roads. The government would also deploy four Rapid Response Teams in Wayanad within the next 100 days and provide additional equipment to forest watchers to strengthen wildlife management and emergency response.

The Minister further announced that the Forest department would organise adalats across the State from August 1 to address pending complaints.