The Human-Wildlife Conflict Turns Major Public Safety Issue, Livelihoods Under Threat Amid Climate and Governance Challenges in Kerala
Face2News/Kochi
The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, Former Union Minister and MP Kumari Selja said that Kerala is currently facing a serious and interconnected crisis involving environmental instability, livelihood challenges and administrative failures, directly impacting the common people.
She said the most pressing issue is the rising human-wildlife conflict, which has now evolved into a major public safety and livelihood crisis, particularly in districts such as Idukki, Wayanad and Palakkad. Over the past few years, several people have lost their lives and thousands have been injured in such incidents. Despite the gravity of the situation, Kumari Selja said the govt’s response has been inadequate.
In many affected areas, residents are being forced to leave their homes, leading to silent displacement and growing insecurity. Kumari Selja further highlighted that farmers and rural residents are facing delays and insufficient compensation for crop losses, reflecting systemic shortcomings and adversely affecting both their livelihoods and dignity.
The fisheries sector, she added, is also under severe stress due to rising operational costs, weak infrastructure, limited market access and the impacts of climate change. Coastal erosion and unpredictable weather conditions are further worsening the situation.