Synopsis
On February 22, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address the alarming rise in man-animal conflicts in Wayanad, where seven fatalities occurred within 45 days. She highlights the need for increased funding and urgent measures to protect local communities.Key Takeaways
- Priyanka Gandhi expresses deep concern over man-animal conflict.
- Seven lives lost in Wayanad due to wild animal attacks.
- Calls for increased funding for protective measures.
- Emphasizes collaboration with local authorities.
- Requests for a specialized team for urgent action.
Wayanad (Kerala), Feb 22 (NationPress) Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has reached out to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address the escalating cases of man-animal conflict in her constituency, where seven individuals have tragically lost their lives within just 45 days.
"I am writing to you with profound concern regarding the distressing situation caused by the man-animal conflict in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Seven lives have been claimed due to wild animal attacks between December 27, 2024 and February 12, 2025. The loss of lives and livelihoods has instilled fear, suffering, and immense anguish among the community," stated Priyanka Gandhi in her letter to Vijayan.
The Congress leader visited her constituency last week, meeting the families of the victims of wild animal attacks. Shortly after her return to Delhi, another incident resulted in another loss of life.
"During my recent visits, I spoke with the families of the victims and engaged with local authorities. It is evident they are making every effort to protect human lives while fulfilling their responsibilities to uphold the laws safeguarding our forests and wildlife sanctuaries. However, I understand that the necessary funds to implement adequate protective measures for human habitations near forest areas are lacking for the local administration," she mentioned in her correspondence.
Priyanka Gandhi emphasized that while a significant portion of the responsibility rests with the Union Environment and Forest Ministry, the central government must match the state allocation. Consequently, delays or other issues in state allocation hinder the Centre from disbursing its share of funds.
"This situation places local administration in a dire predicament, facing immense pressure from the anxiety and suffering caused by frequent animal attacks, while being unable to implement mitigation measures. The district authorities in Wayanad indicated that they need a significant increase in funding for acquiring thermal drones, camera traps, live CCTV cameras, and radio collars to monitor animal movement, along with more RRT vehicles," she stated.
"Additionally, hospital facilities must be enhanced. Most critically, funds for constructing and maintaining physical barriers like elephant-proof trenches, walls, solar fencing, and hanging fences are urgently required. The Forest Department is currently applying for funds to establish an elephant-proof wall around the habitats. I would greatly appreciate expedited approval for this initiative," she added.
"The families believe that the temporary employment offered as compensation is inadequate to meet their needs, and they have all conveyed the necessity for permanent employment," she further stated.
Priyanka Gandhi urged Vijayan that it is her "earnest request that funding for mitigation measures be increased immediately and allocated to the district administrations of Wayanad and Malappuram."
"Furthermore, I propose that a specialized team be formed in consultation with the MoEF and the central government, dispatched to the region to expedite urgent protective measures for human lives and communities in areas deemed at high risk for man-animal conflicts. I would be willing to assist in any way possible," she concluded.
