The Congress-led UDF opposition on Wednesday flayed the Kerala government in the state assembly for its alleged lack of a proper plan to address the rising incidents of man-animal conflict in forest areas.
Thiruvananthapuram,UPDATED: Feb 1, 2023 15:50 IST
Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that people, including farmers, residing in areas close to forests are living in constant fear. (File photo)
By India Today Web Desk: The Opposition in Kerala, on Wednesday, trained its guns at the ruling government in the assembly, claiming that they lack a proper plan to address and prevent the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict in areas bordered by forests.
Slamming the Left government for waiting for a scientific study to decide on the further course of action, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly V D Satheesan said that it indicates that the state administration has done nothing till now and has no plan or project to address the plight of those living close to forested areas.
Sharply criticising the ruling LDF government, the opposition staged a walkout after its demand to adjourn the House and discuss the issue was rejected by Speaker AN Shamseer.
The adjournment motion was denied after Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran stated that department officials have been working around the clock to deal with the wildlife attacks in human settlements close to the forests.
He further added that the government, by culling thousands of wild boars which were destroying farmland, had taken steps to protect agriculture close to forested areas. The Kerala government has also stated that a scientific study would be conducted to explore new ways to prevent man-wildlife conflict.
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Opposition leader Satheesan claimed that people, including farmers, residing in areas close to forests live in constant fear for both life and property since attacks by elephants, tigers and other wild animals have increased.
He said that there were not enough solar energy fences and that no other preventive measures, such as bio fencing, were being taken by the government.
“We are surprised and amazed at the stand taken by the government. We are objecting to it and in protest, I and my party are walking out,” said Satheesan. Similarly, other Congress allies in the opposition UDF also staged a walkout.
MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICTS IN KERALA
Kerala has been witnessing an increase in threats from wild animals, especially elephants and tigers.In the prevailing scenario, an all-party meeting was held in Idukki on Tuesday under the aegis of Forest and Water Resources ministers to discuss measures to deal with the issue.
The meeting was held in the wake of huge protests staged by locals seeking a permanent solution to prevent elephant herds from entering the area and wreaking havoc.
In the meeting, it was decided to erect a 21-kilometre-long solar fence around the inhabited areas which face wildlife attack the most.
In Wayanad district, a large number of villagers had on Tuesday taken out a protest march and laid siege to a busy road demanding the immediate intervention of authorities to check the increasing threat posed by wild animals, especially tigers.
Around 15 domestic animals, including goats, have been reportedly killed by tigers on the prowl in residential areas in the last two months in Ponmudikotta there.
