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The victim, identified as Saji, met his untimely demise in broad daylight, a harrowing scene captured by CCTV cameras that swiftly circulated across the state, amplifying public outrage.
WAYANAD: The persistent menace of man-animal conflicts in Wayanad reached a tipping point with the recent tragic incident in Mananthavady, where a 42-year-old person was fatally trampled. This unfortunate event has stirred a wave of anger and anxiety among local residents, prompting urgent calls for action to address the recurring issue of wild animals encroaching into inhabited areas.
The victim, identified as Saji, met his untimely demise in broad daylight, a harrowing scene captured by CCTV cameras that swiftly circulated across the state, amplifying public outrage.
With over 900 fatalities recorded in Kerala due to man-animal conflicts since 2016, the escalating incidents of wildlife intrusion and resulting casualties have sparked vehement protests from communities residing near forest fringes.
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As the specter of man-animal conflicts looms large, the issue has also become entangled in political discourse, particularly with the impending Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament for Wayanad, criticised the lack of a comprehensive action plan to address the crisis, urging both central and state governments to expedite measures for a viable solution.
Environmentalists advocate for a concerted effort involving collaboration between forest authorities and the public to mitigate the conflict’s impact.
“We need a proactive approach, not hasty measures. A dedicated division within the forest department should operate round the clock, identifying and monitoring hotspot areas. Leveraging available technology effectively is paramount to track wildlife movements and disseminate information to residents in forest fringe areas,” remarked R. Sridhar, an environmentalist specialising in environmental health and justice.
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Meanwhile, the forest department persists in its endeavours to locate and capture the rogue elephant, ‘Belur Makhna,’ responsible for the recent fatality in Mananthavady. Frustrated by the delay in capturing the elephant, residents in Mananthavady staged a massive protest. A joint team comprising forest officials and veterinary experts, aided by four trained elephants, is deployed in the operation.
The toll of man-animal conflicts paints a grim picture, with 909 fatalities and 7,492 injuries reported between 2016 and 2023, alongside crop losses totaling Rs 68.43 crore due to wildlife attacks.
