The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has issued a scathing report criticizing the Kerala Forest Department for its failures in protecting and maintaining wildlife habitats. The report, tabled in the Kerala Assembly on Thursday, highlights significant shortcomings that have led to an increase in human-wildlife conflicts across the state.
According to the CAG report, Kerala recorded 29,798 cases of wildlife attacks between 2017 and 2021, resulting in 445 fatalities. Wayanad emerged as a hotspot, with 6,161 cases accounting for 12.48 percent of all incidents statewide. The report underscores the severity of the situation and the prominence of Wayanad in these conflicts.
The CAG identified several critical issues, including the failure to protect elephants and the neglect of forest ecosystem preservation. The Compliance Audit Report for the year ending March 31, 2022, emphasized that the fragmentation and loss of wildlife habitats due to the department’s lapses have directly contributed to the rise in human-wildlife conflicts.
The report detailed the department’s failures to prevent the diversion of forest lands for non-forest purposes, protect habitats from encroachments, and manage unplanned development projects. Additionally, the inability to secure elephant corridors, remove invasive species, and ensure the availability of food and water for wildlife were cited as major reasons for the increasing conflicts.
The CAG’s findings indicate that these failures have resulted in fragmented and degraded habitats, exacerbating the interactions between humans and wildlife. The report stressed that urgent measures are needed to address these issues and prevent further escalation.
To mitigate the situation, the CAG recommended several actions for the Kerala Forest Department. These include initiating measures for the eviction and prevention of encroachments, restoring monoculture plantations to natural forests, and relocating forest settlements. The report also called for efforts to avoid fragmentation and degradation of forests, highlighting the need for comprehensive and strategic planning to protect wildlife habitats.
The CAG’s critique underscores the pressing need for the Kerala Forest Department to address these issues and implement effective measures to safeguard the state’s wildlife habitats. The report’s recommendations, if acted upon, could significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the preservation of Kerala’s rich biodiversity. As the state grapples with these challenges, the response from the Forest Department and other relevant authorities will be crucial in shaping the future of wildlife conservation in Kerala.
