Priyanka Gandhi Urges Kerala CM To Allocate Resources For Animal Attack Mitigation: ‘Funds Urgently Needed’

Priyanka Gandhi, who is also the Wayanad MP, highlighted the growing fear and frustration among local residents due to frequent wildlife encounters and the inadequacy of existing mitigation efforts.

Priyanka said that she observed a palpable sense of fear and a lack of confidence in local authorities' ability to safeguard them.

Source : Facebook

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, calling for increased funding and urgent measures to address the rising incidents of animal attacks in the high-range areas of Wayanad and Malappuram districts. In her letter dated February 20, Priyanka, who is also the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, highlighted the growing fear and frustration among local residents due to frequent wildlife encounters and the inadequacy of existing mitigation efforts.

Priyanka emphasised the need for immediate action to protect human lives and livelihoods in the region. She suggested the formation of a specialized team, in consultation with the Union Environment Ministry, to expedite the implementation of effective measures. "I would be happy to assist in any way possible," she added, underscoring her commitment to addressing the issue.

During her recent interactions with affected communities, Priyanka said that she observed a palpable sense of fear and a lack of confidence in local authorities' ability to safeguard them. She pointed out that current mitigation measures, such as trenches and hanging fences, have proven ineffective due to poor maintenance and their inability to deter large predators like tigers and leopards.

She said: "They do not trust mitigation measures such as trenches, as their experience has overwhelmingly shown that a lack of maintenance renders them ineffective. Hanging fences are unable to stop large predators like tigers and leopards..." 

"In most places, people have demanded that animal-proof walls be built and are unwilling to accept any alternative measures. Additionally, there is growing hostility towards wild animals in the area due to the frequency of attacks and the resulting deaths," the Congress MP stated in her letter, as per a report on PTI.

Priyanka highlighted the severity of the issue by noting that seven people in her constituency lost their lives to animal attacks between December 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024. These tragic incidents, coupled with the loss of livelihoods, have caused "fear, suffering, and immense anguish" among the local population.

In her letter, she highlighted that when the state allocation is delayed or unavailable for any reason, the central government withholds its share of the funds. This creates a critical situation for the local administration, which faces immense pressure and public distress due to frequent animal attacks.

"Most importantly, funds are urgently needed to construct and maintain physical barriers such as elephant-proof trenches, walls, solar fencing, and hanging fences," she contended.