Amid several man-animal conflicts reported in Wayanad, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting with the people's representative from the mountainous district on Thursday. Further, he issued a slew of directions to prevent human-animal encounters on Thursday.
Highlighting the escalating human-animal conflict, Vijayan emphasized the urgency of measures to safeguard human lives, as per a statement released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
During the meeting, the CM instructed officials to establish a command and control center along with a dedicated war room comprising personnel from revenue, police, and forest departments. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining permanent Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), the statement outlined.
Furthermore, Vijayan underscored the importance of enhancing warning systems to notify residents about the presence of wild animals in their vicinity, utilizing mediums such as radio, community radio, wireless systems, and WhatsApp groups, the statement said.
Additionally, innovative fencing techniques will be explored to deter large wildlife, and efforts will be made to clear undergrowth in private estates employing workers under the Employment Guarantee Scheme, he stated during the meeting.
"The most important thing is to save the people. There should be vigilance so that no more lives are lost. Existing trenches and fencing, if any, should be restored immediately," the CM instructed officials, as per PTI.
Furthermore, Vijayan announced an allocation of approximately Rs 11.5 crore for compensating individuals affected by wildlife attacks, including those injured or deceased. Additionally, the government is considering extending financial aid to individuals seeking treatment for injuries sustained in wild animal attacks at private hospitals, he added.
The meeting also addressed regulations for resorts near forests to avoid attracting wild animals and imposed guidelines to regulate DJ parties during nighttime. Moreover, it emphasized the reinforcement of monitoring and patrolling activities along borders, particularly during nocturnal hours, the statement concluded.