The Forest department has identified 273 local bodies as human-wildlife conflict zones in the State.

A preliminary assessment that has mapped panchayats and municipalities in terms of the risks associated with wildlife incursions and attacks has classified nine local bodies as very high conflict-prone areas, 21 as high and the remaining 243 as medium conflict-prone zones.

The local bodies identified as facing the highest risk are Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery Municipalities in Wayanad; Kuttampuzha and Mankulam panchayats in Idukki; and Noolpuzha, Panamaram, Thavinhal, Thirunelly and Thondernad panchayats in Wayanad.

Targeted mitigation

The department is conducting a detailed ground-level assessment of various factors to finalise the classification and strengthen targeted mitigation measures in these areas.

Twelve forest landscapes across Kerala have been identified to pinpoint exact conflict zones, target resource efficiency and preserve natural wildlife migration paths.

The State government’s mitigation strategy was discussed at a meeting of local body representatives and forest officials here on Tuesday, during which Forest Minister Shibu Baby John announced that the compensation for those who lose their lives or livelihoods due to wildlife attacks will be increased by 50%.

He added that the government would adopt steps to prevent delays in issuing no objection certificates(NOC) for farmers in forest border areas. Forest officials have been directed to issue such permits within three months, provided there are no legal hurdles in the applications.

Special adalats

The government will also organise special adalats in August as part of the ongoing 100-day action plan to ensure the timely disbursement of compensations. Besides, a new insurance scheme will also be introduced for people residing in forest fringe areas.

Addressing apprehensions raised by various participants at the meeting, the Minister said the Centre has, in principle, agreed to consider the State’s proposal to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act and shift the bonnet macaque from Schedule I to Schedule II.

Besides, in view of the increasing menace of wild boars in forest border villages, honorary wildlife warden status has been granted to panchayat presidents in affected areas. They will be authorised to permit approved shooters to cull wild boars entering human settlements. If the number of authorised shooters is insufficient, the services of rifle clubs can also be utilised, Mr. John added.

As part of strengthening the response mechanism, the government will institute 25 additional Rapid Response Teams and recruit 500 personnel to form 100 rescue teams, each consisting of five members and operating at the panchayat level. Priority in recruitment will be given to eligible tribal youth and candidates from the Forest department rank-list who are yet to secure employment.

Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji presided over the meeting. Forest department Secretary K. Biju, Head of Forest Force Rajesh Ravindran, Chief Wildlife Warden P. Pugazhendi, Principal Director of the Local Self-Governments department Divya S. Iyer were among those who were present.

Published - July 21, 2026 09:04 pm IST