Kerala to seek nod from Centre to kill wild animals that pose threat to human life

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala cabinet has decided to seek permission from the Centre to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and property. Currently, secretaries of local bodies have been authorised to permit the killing of wild boars that come into inhabited areas and cause harm to life and property. In a similar manner, the state intends to seek permission from the Centre to kill other animals—such as monkeys and porcupines—that create threats in specific regions.

The cabinet also decided to extend for another year the order granting local body secretaries the authority to kill wild boars under specified conditions.

The government is also considering whether the Wildlife Protection Act can be amended to allow the state the power to declare animals like wild boars as vermin and to control the population of species that breed uncontrollably. The Chief Minister had earlier expressed the opinion that the central law should be amended to allow regulated hunting. The law department had previously recommended that the state has no authority in this. However, based on the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, which places this matter in the Concurrent List—granting powers to both the Centre and the states—the Advocate General has provided legal advice stating that the State Legislature can indeed amend the law.

Based on this, the cabinet has entrusted the Forest Secretary with the responsibility of consulting the Law Department Secretary and submitting recommendations for legislation.