EnvironmentGS-III· 1 min read
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation in Kerala
Why in news?
The Kerala government has decided to double compensation for wildlife attack deaths and crop loss, and is implementing a three-pronged strategy to address human-wildlife conflict.
Key points
- Compensation for loss of life and crop damage due to wildlife attacks will be doubled.
- Revised compensation rates include ₹15 per coconut destroyed by monkeys and ₹30 per cocoa plant.
- A three-pronged strategy of containment, mitigation, and compensation is being adopted.
- High-conflict areas and 55 priority grama panchayats have been identified for multi-layered protection systems.
- The issue will be addressed through coordinated interventions by Forest, Agriculture, and Revenue departments.
Background & context
Human-wildlife conflict is a growing concern in many parts of India, leading to crop damage, livestock loss, and loss of human life, which in turn can lead to retaliatory killings of wildlife. Mitigation strategies often involve a combination of physical barriers, early warning systems, compensation schemes, and community engagement.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kerala to double compensation for wildlife attack deaths and crop loss.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Disaster Management, Internal Security (related to human-wildlife conflict leading to social unrest).