Declaring that the Forest department is “not the enemy of farmers,” Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John on Monday (June 22, 2026) stressed on a collaborative approach in tackling the growing human-wildlife conflict in the State.

Local communities, farmers and local self-government institutions would play a greater role in maintaining protective infrastructure along forest fringes, he added.

Responding to a calling attention motion moved by Ranni MLA Pazhakulam Madhu in the Assembly, the Minister said the government was moving towards a model in which the department would work in partnership with residents rather than functioning as the sole agency responsible for preventing wildlife incursions.

Mr. John pointed out that the State had nearly 2,000 km of solar fencing installed across forest-border regions. However, maintaining such extensive infrastructure had become increasingly challenging due to limitations of manpower and resources.

Maintenance and monitoring

As part of the proposed collaborative model, the department would continue to create assets such as solar fencing, while panchayats, local communities and farmers would be encouraged to participate in their maintenance and monitoring.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to address human-wildlife conflict, the Minister said ₹192 crore had been earmarked in the revised State Budget for mitigation measures. He said the allocation was adequate for strengthening response mechanisms, expanding protective infrastructure and improving field-level interventions.

He added the government planned to strengthen Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), procure modern equipment and improve operational capabilities of frontline forest personnel. Additional resources would also be utilised for surveillance systems, communication equipment, drones, searchlights, tranquilisation equipment and other wildlife management tools.

Situation in Ranni

Referring to the situation in the Ranni constituency, which had witnessed recurring wildlife incursions, Mr. John said the region had 38.35 km of solar fencing and a 24-hour RRT. Satellite RRT services were also functioning for places such as Olikkal, Kumbalathamon and Mukkuzhy, while special task force deployments were carried out whenever required.

On the increasing wild boar menace across the State, he said the government had initiated a special drive to control wild boar populations within the framework of existing laws. Nearly 225 wild boars had been culled since the campaign began on June 15. Efforts were also under way to redeploy trained shooters to local bodies that presently lacked them.