Public awareness committees reconstituted to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Kannur

In a bid to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, as many as 28 public awareness committees have been reconstituted across the district, along with the formation of five primary response teams in vulnerable areas.

A decision in this regard was taken at a review meeting of the District Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Committee chaired by District Collector Arun K. Vijayan. The emergency services wing of the Forest department and the District Emergency Operation Centre will jointly coordinate inter-departmental communication and action against wildlife attacks.

District Forest Officer (DFO) S. Vysakh said the newly formed primary response teams were based at Kottiyoor, Kelakam, Ayyankunnu, Payyavoor, and Aralam. They will receive special training from the Forest department, including identification of signs indicating the presence of wild animals. The public awareness committees are expected to meet quarterly for reviews.

The meeting also flagged concerns over the rise in snake bite deaths in Kannur city. A proposal was made to initiate a scientific study in collaboration with research departments in colleges to examine the causes of snake bites.

The DFO noted that 84 trained volunteers were currently available for snake bite rescue operations. Local bodies were instructed to ensure MGNREGA workers used protective gear such as boots and gloves. Awareness sessions, led by health inspectors, should be arranged for the workers.

In view of the rising wild boar threat, local bodies have been directed to take urgent steps, including preparing a list of licensed gun holders and maintaining registers to facilitate controlled shooting of boars under official supervision.