Kerala Budget earmarks ₹288.60 crore for forestry and wildlife conservation, focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict

The Kerala government has allocated ₹288.60 crore for forest and wildlife conservation in the State Budget. A major thrust has been given for mitigating human-wildlife conflict, strengthening forest protection and improving conservation infrastructure.

Announcing the measures during the presentation of the State Budget in the Assembly on Thursday (January 29, 2026), Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said the government has launched a coordinated mission involving various departments to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The initiatives include installation of smart physical barriers and warning systems, habitat improvement, public awareness programmes and the strengthening of Rapid Response Teams and First Response Teams.

Solar fences

As part of such efforts, 793 km of new solar fences have been installed and 1,954 km of non-functional solar fences restored. Forest Emergency Operation Centres have also been established at the State and divisional levels.

The Budget has earmarked ₹100 crore—₹29.60 crore more than last year—for schemes aimed at mitigating loss of human life and damage to domestic animals.

The Budget has also allocated ₹50 crore for the ‘Forest Conservation (Survey of Forest Boundary & Forest Protection)’ project, ₹50.30 crore for forest conservation-related infrastructure development, and ₹5 crore for the ‘Big Tree Plantations’ project to increase plantation stock and revenue.

Moreover, ₹6 crore has been set aside for the continuing activities of the Puthoor Zoological Park in Thrissur, while ₹5 crore has been earmarked for various activities of the Kozhikode Biological Park.

Mr. Balagopal said Kerala’s strong record in forest and wildlife protection has also created serious challenges for agriculture and farmers. He criticised the Centre for its reluctance to amend relevant laws and said comprehensive action plans using modern technology and legal remedies would be implemented to protect agriculture and rural livelihoods from wildlife attacks.