Kerala Moves to Strengthen Wildlife Protection with New Act Chapter
The Kerala State Board for Wildlife has taken a significant step by deciding to propose the insertion of an entirely new chapter dedicated to human-wildlife conflict in the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This initiative aims to address the growing challenges posed by interactions between humans and wild animals across the state.
Expert Committee to Draft Comprehensive Framework
An expert committee, led by the chief wildlife warden, will be constituted to draft this new chapter. The committee has been allocated a three-month timeframe to prepare the draft, which will subsequently be submitted to the central government for incorporation into the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, following the concurrence of the state government.
This move comes shortly after the state assembly passed the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill in October 2025. The amendment included specific provisions, such as authorizing the chief wildlife warden to take immediate action—including killing, tranquilizing, capturing, or translocating animals—in cases where people are attacked or animals are found in public or residential areas, based on reports from district collectors or chief conservators of forests.
Key Provisions and Objectives
The proposed new chapter is expected to be more comprehensive than the recent amendments. It will encompass a wide range of measures, including:
- Compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflicts.
- Proposals to enhance the quality of wildlife habitats.
- Wildlife population management strategies.
- Involvement of local communities and self-government bodies in decision-making processes.
According to a note approved by the board during its recent meeting, the existing provisions of the Central Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 are often too stringent for urgent conflict situations. The note emphasized that a dedicated chapter is necessary to facilitate prompt decision-making and implementation of measures proportionate to the severity of such incidents.
Addressing Habitat and Agricultural Concerns
The board also highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework to protect and maintain wildlife habitats within forests, preventing animals from straying into agricultural lands and causing damage. Precautionary measures will be instituted to ensure that developmental activities outside forest areas do not adversely affect these ecosystems. Additionally, the promotion of suitable agricultural practices in areas adjoining forests and enabling provisions for population control in necessary circumstances are key components of the proposed chapter.
This initiative reflects Kerala's proactive approach to balancing wildlife conservation with human safety, aiming to create a more effective legal structure for managing conflicts and preserving biodiversity.
