Kerala is the pioneering state in India to designate man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster
Shift in Responsibility
The shift from forest department to state disaster management authority marks a revolutionary change in approach and authority in dealing with wildlife conflicts
Enhanced Quick Action
The state disaster management authority can now act swiftly, overriding conventional norms and bureaucratic red tape, ensuring immediate response to crises
Chief Minister's Role
The Chief Minister's direct involvement as the chairman underscores the gravity and priority of the issue at the highest level of state governance
District-Level Authority
District collectors gain unprecedented power in dealing with man-animal conflicts, empowering local governance like never before
Legal Shield
The Disaster Management Act provides a legal shield against court challenges, ensuring that swift actions in wildlife management cannot be easily contested
Overriding Effect
The Disaster Management Act's provisions have precedence over other laws during the declared disaster period, ensuring focused and undistracted response mechanisms
Historical Context
This move comes after increasing incidents and fatalities from man-animal conflicts, reflecting a critical and timely response from the state government
Eco-centric Approach
By recognizing man-animal conflict as a disaster, Kerala underscores the importance of ecological balance and the value of all life forms, aligning with global sustainability goals