A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has cast a critical light on the Kerala Forest Department’s management practices, attributing them to the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflicts across the state. Spanning from 2017-18 to 2021-22, the audit identifies significant shortcomings that have exacerbated tensions between human settlements and wildlife populations.

Kerala, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and lush green landscapes, faces a stark reality with 21.81% (2,513.53 sq km) of its forested areas diverted for non-forest uses. This diversion, as highlighted by the CAG, has not only fragmented wildlife habitats but has also intensified instances of human-wildlife conflicts. Monoculture plantations covering 1562.04 sq km and allocations of land to entities such as the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) are noted as major contributors to habitat degradation.

Central to the issue are encroachments into wildlife habitats and inadequate management strategies by the Forest Department. The CAG report points to failures in preventing forest land diversions, safeguarding elephant corridors, removing invasive species, and ensuring adequate food and water resources for wildlife. These shortcomings have directly correlated with escalating conflicts, with Wayanad district reporting significant incidents during the audit period.

Elephant attacks emerged as the primary cause of human fatalities, underscoring the severity of the issue. The report documents 445 human deaths and 3,298 injuries attributed to human-wildlife conflicts between 2017 and 2021. Additionally, widespread losses in livestock and crops due to wildlife interactions have further compounded the socio-economic impact on local communities.

The CAG’s audit specifically criticizes two development projects—the construction of an airstrip near the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology in Palakkad—for their adverse impacts on wildlife habitats. The report highlights systemic failures in decision-making processes, particularly the lack of consideration for conservation implications.

Wayanad district serves as a poignant case study in habitat loss, with forest cover shrinking from 1,811.35 sq km in 1950 to 863.86 sq km in 2021. The report attributes this decline to increased plantation and cultivation activities, further fragmenting once-continuous vegetation crucial for wildlife survival.

The CAG report issues several recommendations aimed at mitigating the crisis, urging the Forest Department to prioritize eviction of encroachments, restoration of monoculture plantations to natural forests, and relocation of forest settlements. It emphasizes the need for robust wildlife habitat management, advocating for adequate resource allocation to sustain wildlife within protected forest boundaries.

Furthermore, the report calls for improved delineation of forest boundaries to prevent further encroachments and ensure effective conservation measures. It underscores the urgency for the state government to align development projects with environmental considerations to safeguard Kerala’s unique ecosystem and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

In response to the audit findings, environmentalists and conservationists have expressed concerns over the state’s environmental stewardship, urging swift corrective actions to reverse habitat degradation and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. They stress the critical need for comprehensive policy reforms and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to uphold ecological balance and protect Kerala’s natural heritage for future generations.

The CAG report serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked development and inadequate conservation efforts, urging stakeholders to prioritize biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use practices. As Kerala grapples with mounting challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts, the onus lies on policymakers, the Forest Department, and local communities to collaborate on solutions that harmonize development with environmental preservation.

Moving forward, the lessons drawn from this audit report are crucial in guiding policies towards a more inclusive approach that respects and protects Kerala’s invaluable natural resources. The road ahead demands proactive measures, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kerala’s biodiversity and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts for a sustainable future.