Mananthavady: Minister for Forests and Wildlife A K Saseendran announced that a public search will continue for tigers until Thursday, focusing on areas with frequent sightings in the district. He was speaking to reporters at the North Wayanad DFO Conference Hall.
The minister said that inspections will be carried out in forest areas bordering human settlements and other locations where tiger presence has been confirmed. Although the man-eating tiger was found dead, a search will proceed in Pancharakolli and nearby regions to ensure public safety. The operation will target six ranges spanning the North and South Forest Divisions and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Also Read
The minister assured that the government stands with the people and will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety from wild animals. He reiterated the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the ongoing human-wildlife conflict.
Efforts to clear unwanted shrubs along forest borders will be expedited. Notices are being issued through the three-tier panchayat system, directing private plantation owners to clear undergrowth. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply. Weeds and shrubs outside forest areas will be cleared with the cooperation of local self-government bodies.
The installation of solar hanging fences along forest borders will also be fast-tracked. A ₹15 crore project funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will support this initiative. Funds will also be allocated through the State Disaster Management Authority.
To restrict movement of wildlife into human settlements, 300 new boreholes will be dug within forested areas. Work on this project is already underway. Furthermore, 1,000 live cameras will be installed to monitor the presence and movement of wild animals.
Minister Saseendran assured that the district collector has been instructed to address the wages of workers from the Priyadarshini Estate, who lost their jobs due to the tiger incident in Pancharakolli.
Wayanad Collector Dr Meghasree, District Police Chief Taposh Basumatary, Mananthavady Block Panchayat President Justin Baby, Mananthavady Municipal Councillor Usha Kelu, and North Wayanad DFO K J Martin Lowell were present during the minister’s address.
The minister conveyed that the Chief Minister had extended his congratulations to forest, police, revenue, and local government officials for their efforts following the tiger attack in Pancharakolli.
Minister Saseendran further revealed that a ₹620 crore proposal has been submitted to the central government to address human-wildlife conflicts in the state, particularly in hilly regions. Despite five meetings with the central minister, no progress has been made. He assured that the Interstate Ministers Council would intensify efforts on this issue.
The remaining compensation to the family of Radha, who died in the tiger attack, will be disbursed within two days. Minister Saseendran also stressed the need to revise outdated wildlife laws to better address modern challenges.
Published: 28 Jan 2025, 10:50 am IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.