In a recent development, the Kerala High Court has directed the state government to present a comprehensive action plan addressing the recurring incidents of wild elephant intrusions and attacks in the Aralam farm region of Kannur district. This directive emerged during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Baiju Paul Mathews, which highlighted the pressing need for effective measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts in the area.
Aralam farm, situated on the periphery of the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, serves as a tribal rehabilitation facility. Unfortunately, it has been a hotspot for frequent human-wildlife conflicts, with reports indicating over 20 fatalities since 2014 due to wild elephant encounters.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu, emphasized the necessity for a coordinated approach involving multiple departments to effectively tackle this issue. The court has sought detailed information on both short-term and long-term strategies, including specific timelines for each phase of implementation. Additionally, the bench inquired about the establishment of a coordination committee responsible for overseeing these initiatives and the existence of a feedback mechanism that allows residents to report incidents and provide suggestions.
The petitioner underscored the urgency of formulating a structured plan with fixed timelines. He also highlighted the importance of a feedback system to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures and the appointment of a coordinator to oversee the entire process.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 18, by which time the state government is expected to furnish its detailed response and proposed action plan.
This judicial intervention underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions to human-animal conflicts in Kerala, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of communities residing in vulnerable regions like Aralam farm.
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