The KCBC Vigilance Commission has expressed grave concern over the escalating number of wildlife attacks and the Forest Department’s aggressive actions in Kerala. Citing a report submitted by the amicus curiae to the High Court, which revealed a staggering 2,630 wildlife attacks in 2023–24 alone, the Commission deemed the situation alarming. Over the past five years, 103 individuals were killed by wild elephants and another 341 by various wild animals. The resulting agricultural and property damage is vast and unquantifiable.

Despite the increasing frequency and severity of these attacks, there is a glaring lack of response from the government, elected officials, and major media outlets. Wildlife incursions have become a near-daily threat, yet the voices of the affected citizens remain unheard. In light of this neglect, the Commission has once again issued a call for immediate and meaningful interventions.

Citizens of Kerala urge both central and state governments to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take decisive measures to curb these attacks and address their root causes. Strategic, people-centric policies must be crafted and implemented swiftly. Political leaders, media, and civil society organizations must treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves.

The recommendation by the amicus curiae to set a minimum compensation of ₹24 lakh for victims of fatal wildlife attacks is commendable. However, the Commission stressed that financial aid must not remain a promise on paper. Systems should be streamlined to ensure that victims’ families and others affected receive timely and adequate compensation.

With thousands of families across Kerala living under the constant threat of wild animals, the Chief Minister must step in to rein in the Forest Department. Instead of safeguarding citizens, the department has often taken a hostile stance, particularly in areas like Idukki and Wayanad, where officials have encroached upon long-held agricultural and residential land. Such actions, which challenge the constitutional rights of residents, must be stopped. The government is urged to act firmly against any misuse of power by officials who disregard the rights and livelihoods of the people.