Kerala government expands operational limits of wild boar shooters to mitigate human-wildlife conflict
The State government has expanded the operational limits of empanelled shooters deployed to eliminate problematic wild boars. As a result, authorised shooters selected by local
The State government has expanded the operational limits of empanelled shooters deployed to eliminate problematic wild boars. As a result, authorised shooters selected by local self-government institutions will no longer be confined to the respective administrative limits and can be deployed across the State without any district restrictions. The decision has been made to curb the rising incidence of wild boar attacks being reported in Kerala.
The government had earlier delegated powers to the heads of local self-government institutions, designating them as Honorary Wildlife Wardens, to order the culling of the wild boars that cause severe damage to human life, property and agricultural crops in inhabited areas. The delegated authority granted to local body heads remains valid until May 27, 2027.
Delayed action The new order is based on official assessments that found that restrictions placed on shooters confining them to rigid geographical boundaries frequently delayed emergency interventions and prevented local bodies from engaging nearby certified shooters in a timely manner when wild boars invaded human settlements or threatened lives.
The Chief Wildlife Warden has been tasked with adopting the necessary follow-up measures to execute the revised guidelines across all local bodies and forest divisions in the State.
The BriefWire