Kerala Govt Directs Local Bodies to Effectively Cull Wild Boars Amid Rising Conflicts

The Kerala government has instructed local self-governing bodies to effectively implement orders for the culling of wild boars that enter human habitations and cause damage to life and property, either by shooting or other permitted methods. The directive was issued through a letter from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department to the Additional Chief Secretary and Director of the Local Self-Government Department. District Collectors have also been urged to convene monthly meetings to ensure effective intervention in wildlife conflict issues.

Earlier, the government had issued an order empowering presidents and secretaries of local self-governing bodies to authorize the shooting of dangerous wild boars. However, the Forest Minister had received numerous complaints indicating that many local bodies were not effectively implementing this order, leading to continued incidents of injuries and agricultural damage caused by wild boars.