The first budget of the V D Satheesan government in Kerala has allocated only Rs 243.80 crore for the forest department in the revised budget for 2026-27, despite strong demands for increased funding. This allocation under the plan fund is significantly lower than the Rs 305.61 crore outlay announced in the 2025-26 budget.
Insufficient Funds Amid Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Forest officials have been demanding more resources, as the current outlay is insufficient to cover basic expenses amidst escalating human-wildlife conflicts in the high ranges of Kerala. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John also highlighted the meager budget allocation during a public event in Kothamangalam on June 8.
However, forest department officials attributed the decline in plan scheme allocation to the state's total revenue deficit, which has impacted plan fund allocations across all departments. A forest official noted, “An additional amount of Rs 100 crore has been allocated in the non-plan scheme to the department under the head of relief to victims affected by attacks of wild animals.”
Modern Technology and Rapid Response Teams
In his maiden budget speech, the Chief Minister announced that modern technology would be utilized to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, with an allocation of Rs 192 crore for this purpose. He stated that steps will be taken to deploy additional rapid response teams in areas severely affected by such conflicts.
Regarding environmental protection from pollution, the Chief Minister claimed a 'zero policy' would be implemented to prevent air, water, land, and light pollution. An amount of Rs 22.02 crore has been allocated for various activities in the environment sector.
Carbon Neutrality and Tribal University
The government aims to make Kerala a completely carbon-neutral state by 2050. A state-level mechanism will be established to enable farmers to claim carbon credits and secure direct financial benefits. Additionally, the budget proposes setting up a tribal university in Wayanad with an allocation of Rs 50 crore.
People working for tribal communities welcomed this move and a slew of initiatives proposed for tribal development. Rajendra Prasad, president of Thumpu, said, “Alongside these crucial announcements made in the budget, the 'community rights' guaranteed under the Forest Rights Act must be implemented in their true spirit to ensure the survival of adivasi communities. Genuine decentralization of these budget benefits will be possible only through the proper enforcement of the PESA Act, which grants self-governing powers to village assemblies. At the same time, there is an urgent need to appoint a judicial commission and take strong action regarding the alienated lands of Adivasi people. With this demand, heartfelt appreciation is extended for these considerate announcements.”
