KOZHIKODE: The man-animal conflict has been considerably reduced during the period between 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) limits as per the WWS records. Thanks to the digging of trenches, construction of stone walls and setting up of solar-powered fences to check animals from entering human habitats along the borders.
In 2013-2014, Rs 101.96 lakh was disbursed as compensation in 1326 applications whereas in 2017-2018 the total number of applications received was only 697 so far and the total amount of compensation disbursed is only Rs 59.82 lakh. The crop damage cases also diminished from 978 in 2013-2014 to 569 so far this year. The number of injuries and deaths to humans from animal attack also registered a diminishing trend in the period. In 2013-14, three persons were killed and 14 injured in animal attacks whereas this year only 11 were injured and none killed so far within the WWS jurisdiction.
During the last five years, the WWS has been focusing on construction of stonewalls (6.53 kilometres), trenches (235.43 km), stone pits (1.47 km) and solar powered fencing (289.9 km) to check the high intensity of human-animal conflict in the sanctuary and adjacent villages.
Wayanad Wildlife Warden N.T. Sajan told DC that the concerted efforts during the years had resulted in the downward trend in human-animal conflict. "The maintenance of solar fencing has been done in a foolproof way," he said. "We have also ensured early disbursement of compensation amounts which reduced the friction between farmers and forest officials," he added.
"Janajagratha Samithies were also formed in Noolppuzha, Pulppalli and also in Tirunelli panchayats where the human-animal conflict has been on the rise. The steps taken in consultation with local population resulted in better prevention of animal herds roaming into human habitats," he added.
