The Kerala High Court recently expressed its dissatisfaction with the State's delay in releasing funds allocated for projects aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, despite these measures being declared urgent under a disaster management framework. A division bench comprising Dr. Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian was hearing petitions concerning the human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad and Aralam.
The Court had previously questioned the State's inaction in addressing the issue. When the matter came up for consideration, it was informed that the procurement of most of the equipment listed in the earlier order was substantially completed. The Court was also apprised that the proposal for the construction of solar fencing at Aralam Farm had progressed. An estimate of ₹37.36 lakh prepared by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), an agency of the State Government, had been sanctioned by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Northern Circle), and the work was entrusted to ANERT. The installation of farm guards was also confirmed as completed.
The Special Government Pleader undertook to furnish a clarification regarding decisions taken in meetings held after a prior video conference with the Chief Secretary concerning the reimagining of the solutions for Aaralam Farm. The Court took note of three Government Orders, dated 21.02.2025, 23.04.2025, and 03.05.2025, pertaining to the establishment of a State Emergency Operation Centre and District Emergency Operation Centres in the Forest Department, the introduction of a Rapid Response Vehicle for veterinary and medical management, and the strengthening of tool rooms under Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) across Kerala. While substantial funds had been sanctioned for these initiatives, the Court was informed that disbursal of the funds or follow-up action had not occurred.
The Court remarked that the State Executive cannot be seen as indifferent to the urgency of the situation. It emphasized that the delay in fund disbursal and the lack of follow-up actions were unacceptable, given the pressing nature of the human-wildlife conflict in the affected regions. The Court's intervention underscores the importance of timely implementation of sanctioned projects to address critical issues affecting communities and wildlife.
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