Human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures reviewed

District Collector Anu Kumar convened a review meeting on Friday to expedite the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict and to ensure accurate assessment of the situation. The meeting discussed the second-phase actions of the Forest department’s intensive programme aimed at resolving such conflicts.

According to an official release, the primary objective of the meeting was to identify specific wildlife species and the regions most prone to human-wildlife conflict. It was decided that the local bodies will conduct detailed surveys to gather data for the purpose.

One of the key resolutions from the meeting was to prepare a master plan for the relocation of 35 gaurs from the high-risk areas of the Bharathanoor section in the Palode Range. The Forest Department will adopt steps to ensure the safe return of these animals to the forest.

A specialised team that has undergone proper training will be stationed in areas affected by human-wildlife conflict. Moreover, periodic meetings of Janajagratha Samithis will be held to ensure effective communication and community involvement in preventing conflicts.

Thiruvananthapuram Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Devipriya Ajith, Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) G. Sreekumar, Joint Director of Local Self-Government Department G. Sudhakaran and Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Warden Vinod S.V. also participated in the meeting.