Thiruvananthapuram: In a major policy initiative, the Kerala government is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at addressing the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the state. At a high-level meeting with Members of Parliament convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Government Guest House in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, officials confirmed that a draft bill is under review by the Law Department.
The Chief Minister stressed the urgency of legal reforms to empower state authorities in responding effectively to wildlife threats, especially under Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act. He also called for the restoration of Section 13 in the National Disaster Management Act to enable states to intervene more swiftly in emergencies.
The MPs, cutting across party lines, pledged their full support in seeking central approval for Kerala’s Post-Disaster Needs Assessment submitted for Wayanad. The report recommends ₹2221.10 crore for Meppadi-Churalmala rehabilitation and ₹98.10 crore for Vilangad in Kozhikode. The state is also pushing for central compensation share in relief measures and amendments to allow for state-specific disaster response mechanisms.
Chief Minister Vijayan urged renewed parliamentary pressure to prioritize critical rail projects, including the Thalassery–Mysore and Nilambur–Nanjangud lines, along with the Angamaly–Erumeli–Sabari and Kanhangad–Panathur–Kaniyur corridors. The government also seeks allocation for third and fourth rail lines and funding for Kochi Metro’s extension from SN Junction to Tripunithura.
With Kerala’s debt ceiling under stress, the meeting called for the exclusion of KIIFB and pension board borrowings from the state’s debt limits. It also demanded restoration of ₹965 crore in IGST dues and an increase in the state’s borrowing limit to 3.5 percent. Additionally, the MPs will press for Kerala’s full share in the Jala Jeevan Mission, beyond current borrowing restrictions.
The Chief Minister and MPs resolved to jointly seek central assistance for infrastructure initiatives like GIFT City and the Global City project under the Kochi-Bangalore Industrial Corridor. They also emphasized the need for viability gap funding for logistics parks and connectivity infrastructure.
Health and social security issues were prominently raised, including pending National Health Mission arrears, elevation of ASHA workers to official health worker status, and increased benefits under the Vaya Vandana Yojana. MPs reiterated Kerala’s longstanding request for the establishment of an AIIMS in the state.
Among coastal priorities, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for a sea wall and coastal protection measures. Proposals pending with the central government to protect fisherfolk were flagged for follow-up. MPs also demanded upgrades to the Kottapuram–Kozhikode waterway, part of National Waterway-3, to bring it to national standards.
Calls were also renewed for giving Kannur Airport a ‘point of call’ designation for international airlines, which would expand its global connectivity.
In a notable political move, the meeting decided that Kerala would officially register its protest against a proposed agreement with the United States. The Chief Minister will write to the Prime Minister expressing the state’s dissent.
Leaders at the meeting affirmed a united approach beyond party divisions to advance Kerala’s development and protect its interests at the national level. Parliamentarians pledged coordinated intervention in financial and policy matters that affect the state’s welfare.
Ministers P Prasad, G R Anil, A K Saseendran, P Rajeev, K N Balagopal, K Krishnankutty, Saji Cherian, P A Muhammed Riyas, O R Kelu and MPs including K Radhakrishnan, E T Muhammed Basheer, P P Suneer, V Sivadasan, John Brittas, Jose K Mani, Kodikunnil Suresh, Dean Kuriakose, Anto Antony, M K Raghavan, Benny Behanan, Adoor Prakash, K. Francis George, V. K. Sreekandan, Harris Beeran, and Shafi Parambil participated.
Additional Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha welcomed the gathering, with senior officials from the State Planning Board, Law, Forest, Finance, and Disaster Management departments in attendance.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to maintain momentum on development demands and ensure timely state-centre coordination.