In a significant step towards managing human-elephant conflicts (HEC), forest departments from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have decided to form a coalition. During a meeting on the sidelines of the International Conference on HEC Management, the ministers from these states agreed to collaborate on measures to prevent the fragmentation of elephant corridors, improve habitats, and seek Union government funds.
The newly formed coalition will draft the Bengaluru Charter, which will outline necessary actions to address rising HEC issues. Key measures include deploying AI technology for conflict management, improving habitat conditions, and preventing corridor fragmentation. The charter will also advocate for the release of CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Authority) funds held by the Centre, which are crucial for implementing these measures.
Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre highlighted that the state has about Rs 1000 crore in CAMPA funds with the Centre, which have not been released despite requests. He emphasized the state’s commitment to learning from best practices in neighboring states and improving HEC management through initiatives like rail barricades, trenches, and solar fences.
Kerala’s Forest and Wildlife Minister A K Saseendran will seek a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to discuss amending the Wildlife Protection Act to address HEC more effectively. He also noted that the Act, currently focused on tigers, needs updates to reflect the broader range of wildlife issues.
The coalition will also address issues like uniform compensation for crop damage, standardizing ex gratia payments for fatalities, and improving coordination among states. The Bengaluru Charter, expected to be finalized soon, will outline these strategies and submit a joint memorandum to the Centre.
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