Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Forest Department has approved the use of rifle clubs to address the shortage of authorised shooters engaged in culling wild boars. A circular formalising the decision will soon be issued to local self-government institutions, enabling them to use the services of rifle club members.

Kerala has 20 rifle clubs functioning under the State Rifle Association, with district-level associations operating beneath it. The Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) serves as the ex-officio president of the State Rifle Association, while district collectors and district police chiefs are the ex-officio president and vice-president of the respective district associations.

There has been confusion among several local self-government institutions over the appointment of shooters. According to Forest Minister Shibu Baby John, reports suggesting that a shooter authorised by one local body cannot receive approval from another are incorrect.

The minister clarified that there is no such restriction and that a shooter may obtain permission from as many local self-government institutions as required.

Rifle Association seeks single-window system

The State Rifle Association has also urged the government to introduce a single-window approval system for shooters across Kerala.

At present, shooters must obtain separate approvals from each local self-government institution. State Rifle Association Vice-President Dr K.S. Jaganmohan said a statewide single-window mechanism would simplify the process and reduce administrative hurdles.