UDF will find a permanent solution to the increasing human-animal conflict, says V.D. Satheesan

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said on Monday that a future United Democratic Front (UDF) government will find a permanent solution to the increasing human-animal conflict, a major issue in the hilly district of Idukki.

Speaking to reporters in Adimaly as part of the UDF’s Puthuyuga Yatra, Mr. Satheesan said the front will adopt both traditional and practical methods to address the crisis. “The upcoming UDF government will utilise AI tools to manage human-animal conflict in the State,” he said.

Mr. Satheesan pledged that if the UDF gains power, it will issue unconditional title deeds in the district. He stated that the UDF views the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) as revenue land, not forest land, and opposes the LDF government’s reclassification of some revenue lands as reserve forest.

He cited the Sathram airstrip in Vandiperiyar as an example, pointing out that the area was revenue land when construction began but was reclassified as reserve forest upon completion. “We cannot accept such moves. The UDF government will de-notify such reserve forest lands,” said Mr. Satheesan.

Addressing the plantation sector crisis during a speech in Kumily, Mr. Satheesan said the UDF would take steps to reopen all closed tea plantations in the district. “The UDF will prioritise the growth and stability of the plantation sector and encourage diversification, including fruit farming,” he said.

He also announced that the UDF will create an Idukki tourism map to ensure local community participation at every destination.

Mr. Satheesan went on to question the progress of the “Idukki Package” announced in February 2021 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “The Chief Minister announced a ₹12,000 crore package for the district. My question is: how much of that amount was actually allotted? The LDF government has cheated the people of Idukki under the guise of this package,” he alleged.

At a press meet in Adimaly, Mr. Satheesan accused the State government of misusing official resources for election campaigning. He claimed that campaign messages were sent to government employees using private data intended for salary notifications, labeling the Chief Minister’s actions as data theft. “A case should be filed against those who misappropriated public data. The UDF will respond both politically and legally,” he stated.

Reacting to the Special Investigation Team (SIT)’s actions involving Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in a gold theft case, he demanded an explanation for his arrest. “In the Tantri’s bail order, the court clearly stated he was arrested without proof. Why did the government arrest him so hastily? We need answers,” said Mr. Satheesan.

UDF Convener Adoor Prakash, along with MPs N.K. Premachandran, Dean Kuriakose, K. Francis George, and Idukki DCC President C.P. Mathew, joined the yatra. The yatra visited Adimaly, Nedumkandam, Kumily, Cheruthoni, and Thodupuzha in Idukki district.

Crowd management issues were noted during the yatra, with Mr. Satheesan warning local leaders in both Adimaly and Kumily to maintain order after large crowds disrupted the proceedings in the venue.