As of now permission is granted only for shooting wild boars
Though at the Cabinet briefing the Chief Minister didn't specify the nature of relaxation, senior forest officials say farmers have asked for licence to kill crop raiders. At the moment such prevention activities are carried out by forest officials
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday expressed concern over the loss of lives in rising incidents of man- animal conflict and called for relaxation of norms laid down for pre-firing in self defence.
He said the Cabinet had decided to hold a high level meeting of Forest Department officials and farmers’ representatives soon. The proposed meeting will discuss the matter in detail and come out with proposals and practical suggestions for ensuring the safety of farmers and steps to reduce such conflicts.
Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishanan has been asked to submit a comprehensive report based on the recommendations of the meeting. The decision will be taken on the basis of the report.
Chandy said wildlife needed to be protected at any cost. At the same time steps were required to save humans lives as well. “We are contemplating certain relaxations in pre-firing conditions. However, there will be no change in the post-firing stipulations as it involves post- mortem and proper disposal of carcass,’’ he added.
Though at the Cabinet briefing the Chief Minister didn’t specify the nature of relaxation, senior forest officials say farmers have asked for licence to kill crop raiders. At the moment such prevention activities are carried out by forest officials.
As of now permission is granted only for shooting wild boars, but since schedule one animals like elephants are also involved in crop raiding, forest officials fear that farmers who are believed to have strong political clout will ask for more rights in forests. Such rights could not be granted, they pointed out.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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