Rights panel asks government to revise wildlife damage compensation within 3 months

With crop losses from wildlife raids leaving farmers frustrated and undercompensated, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has stepped in, directing authorities to increase compensation.

The Commission has asked the Chief Forest Conservator to submit a proposal for raising compensation and urged the State government to take a final decision on the matter within three months.

The directive, issued by commission chairperson Justice (Retd.) Alexander Thomas, follows a complaint by Rajan Abraham, a resident of Aruvappulam, alleging that the Forest department has caused difficulties for over 1,200 families in Aruvappulam grama panchayat, particularly at check posts. The complaint stated that villagers are not being allowed to use the trees and other resources on their own properties as they wish and that wildlife-related damage is not being effectively controlled.

In response, the commission conducted hearings with the Assistant Secretary of Aruvappulam grama panchayat and the Naduvathumoozhi Range Forest Officer. It directed that applications for compensation be submitted online. Upon receipt, the Forest department is to conduct local investigations and submit reports to ensure that farmers receive the compensation they are entitled to.

During the hearing, the Konni Divisional Forest Officer informed the commission that work is underway to restore solar fencing along key wildlife corridors in the region. Approval has also been granted under the NABARD project for constructing solar poles. Measures are being taken to ensure timely compensation for those who suffer losses due to wildlife attacks.

The commission further directed that the solar fencing projects be made operational within two months and that night-time patrolling be carried out effectively. Grama panchayat authorities were also directed to provide farmers with awareness programmes and technical support to help them submit online applications for compensation.