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Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to expedite the release of compensation funds for the families of victims affected by human-wildlife conflicts. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Gandhi expressed concern over the rising casualties due to animal attacks in Wayanad and the delay in providing financial aid to affected families.
Highlighting the alarming situation in her constituency, she pointed out that seven people have lost their lives between December 27, 2024, and February 12, 2025, due to attacks by wild animals. “The loss of lives and livelihood is causing fear, suffering, and immense anguish for the people of the area,” she stated in her letter.
During her recent visits to Wayanad, Gandhi met with the families of the victims and local authorities. She acknowledged the efforts of local officials in mitigating the crisis but noted that the required financial support was lacking. “The funds needed to implement protection measures for human habitations near forest areas are not available to the local administration,” she wrote.
She further pointed out that the delay in the state government’s allocation of funds also impacts central government funding. “The Ministry of Environment and Forests at the Centre matches the state allocation. However, if the state delays or fails to allocate its share, the Centre also withholds its portion, leaving the local administration in a dire situation,” she explained.
Increased Funds For Resources
Gandhi also stressed the need for increased funds to acquire essential resources such as thermal drones, camera traps, live CCTV cameras, and radio collars to monitor animal movement. She also emphasized the urgent requirement for more Rapid Response Team (RRT) vehicles and improvements in the Animal Hospice Centre at Sulthan Bathery, which is currently operating beyond its capacity. Additionally, she called for the construction and maintenance of physical barriers such as elephant-proof trenches, walls, solar fencing, and hanging fences.
Drawing attention to specific cases, Gandhi mentioned Sarojini, a tribal woman who was trampled to death by an elephant. Upon inspecting the area, she found that the existing elephant-proof trench was poorly maintained and ineffective. “The forest department has applied for funds to build an elephant-proof wall around the habitation, and I would be extremely grateful if approval for this could be expedited,” she added.
Earlier, on January 28, Gandhi visited the house of a woman killed by a tiger in Pancharakolli. Speaking to the media, she reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to ensure safety in the region. “We should all work together to provide safety and a reasonable sense of confidence among the people here. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring issue,” she said, adding that she would raise the matter in Parliament to seek further assistance.
With human-wildlife conflicts posing a serious threat to lives and livelihoods in Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi’s appeal underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis and ensuring swift financial aid to affected families.
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