Kerala High Court Mandates Action Plan for Human-Wildlife Conflict Zones
The Kerala High Court has issued a significant directive to the state government, ordering the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed roadmap for establishing a robust mechanism to address escalating human-wildlife conflicts. This directive specifically targets critical areas, including the Tribal Rehabilitation and Development Mission (TRDM) zone in Aralam and various conflict-prone regions within Wayanad district.
Court's Directive in Response to Tragic Incident
A bench comprising Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Jobin Sebastian issued this order following the tragic death of Aneesh A S, a 40-year-old resident of Aralam Farm, who was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Friday morning. The court underscored the urgency of the situation, highlighting the recurring and severe incidents of human-animal conflict in these areas, which demand immediate and effective intervention.
Judicial Intervention and Petition Details
The High Court was adjudicating a petition filed by Baiju Paul Mathews, who sought judicial intervention due to the deplorable living conditions in and around the farm. The petition has been adjourned to March 13 for further proceedings. During the hearing on Monday, key officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of the SC/ST Department, and the Chief Wildlife Warden, appeared online in compliance with the court's previous directives, demonstrating the gravity of the matter.
Government Orders and Compliance Requirements
The court was informed that a government order dated January 10, 2026, had already been issued to address basic needs, specifically for the supply of drinking water to residents in the TRDM area in Aralam. According to this order, drinking water will be regularly supplied via tanker lorries until the infrastructure under the ‘Jalanidhi' scheme is fully operational. The High Court further directed the Chief Secretary to report on the progress of implementing this government order in an affidavit to be filed by March 12, ensuring accountability and timely action.
Funding and Disaster Management Provisions
In a crucial observation, the High Court noted that the state government has already recognized the human-wildlife conflict situation as a state-specific natural disaster. Consequently, the court emphasized that funds for necessary projects, such as elephant walls and hanging solar fences, can be mobilized from allocations available under the Disaster Management Act. This provision aims to facilitate swift financial support for mitigation measures, enhancing the state's capacity to protect both human lives and wildlife.
The court's directive mandates a comprehensive approach, combining immediate relief efforts with long-term strategies to prevent future tragedies and ensure sustainable coexistence in these vulnerable regions.
