Human rights panel calls for effective early warning systems in human-wildlife conflict zones in Keralam

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the Forest and Wildlife Department and the Local Self-Government Department in the State to take coordinated measures to find a permanent solution to the recurring human-wildlife conflict.

The rights panel has also asked the Chief Secretary to take the initiative to coordinate the efforts of the departments concerned and ensure effective implementation of measures covering all conflict-prone areas.

In an order issued in a case registered suo motu on the basis of media reports, judicial member K. Byjunath said the State should strengthen its early warning and response mechanism instead of relying primarily on measures such as chasing away wild elephants, erecting fences and providing compensation after attacks.

The commission said an effective system should identify and communicate the threat before a conflict occurs. Modern technology should be deployed based on the specific conditions prevailing in different conflict zones, it said.

Wildlife movement routes and conflict-prone hotspots should be mapped and kept under continuous surveillance, according to the order. Camera traps, sensor-based warning systems, drones, mobile phone alerts, solar fencing, hanging fences and trenches were among the measures suggested.

The commission stressed that such interventions should take into account regional variations and should be planned according to the nature of the conflict in each area.

It observed that while the Forest Department had been taking measures to reduce tensions arising from human-wildlife encounters, the steps had not produced the desired results. The department could not evade its responsibility in addressing the issue, the order said.

Balanced approach

The commission also called for a balanced approach that safeguards human lives and livelihoods while protecting the natural habitat of wildlife. It said human-wildlife conflict should be dealt with through advance planning, continuous monitoring and early warnings, in a manner comparable to preventive measures used in dealing with road accidents.

The Chief Secretary has been directed to submit an action-taken report to the commission within 30 days. The issue will be considered at the next sitting of the commission to be held in Kozhikode next month.