As man-animal conflict rises, Wayanad MP Priyanka writes to CM Pinarayi seeking ‘more funds for mitigation measures’

The development comes as the district, as well as the state, grapples with growing wildlife, including elephant attacks. The attacks have led both the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress to seek changes in The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Priyanka also wants the state to constitute special protection teams in consultation with the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. The teams should be dispatched to the affected areas to expedite urgent measures for the protection of human lives, the letter said.

“While a significant part of the responsibility lies with the MoEF, the central government is required to match at the state allocation, thus when the state allocation is not received due to delay or other reasons, the central government desists from sending their share of funds. This leaves the local administration in a dire situation where they are under immense pressure from the panic and pain caused by the frequency of animal attacks and yet unable to take mitigating measures,” the letter from Priyanka, written days after touring the affected areas and families of the victims in her constituency, said.

She said the local district administration has sought more funds allocation for mitigation measures and strengthening surveillance networks in the high-risk areas.