Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is preparing to enact a new law aimed at curbing human encroachment into wildlife habitats, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran announced on Tuesday. The minister stated that the draft bill has been completed and is now set to undergo the necessary legislative procedures.
The proposed legislation is intended to strengthen protections for forest areas and wildlife corridors, which have increasingly come under threat due to unregulated human settlement and land-use activities. The move follows a surge in human-wildlife conflicts across Kerala, including several incidents involving wild elephants and other animals entering populated areas, often resulting in fatalities or severe damage.
Minister Saseendran noted that while Kerala already has several laws for forest conservation, the upcoming bill would address specific legal gaps and introduce stricter enforcement mechanisms. “The draft is ready. This law will provide clear definitions of encroachment and introduce legal tools to act swiftly against violations,” he said.
The announcement comes in response to growing concern among environmentalists, forest officials, and the public over the shrinking forest cover and disruption of natural habitats in the state. Conservation groups have repeatedly urged the government to adopt tougher measures to protect Kerala’s fragile ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
Saseendran also highlighted that the government is considering awareness campaigns to involve local communities in forest preservation efforts and promote harmonious human-animal coexistence. “This law is not just about protection, but also about prevention and education,” he added.
The bill will soon be presented to the state cabinet for approval and is expected to be introduced in the Kerala Legislative Assembly in the coming sessions. If passed, it will represent a major milestone in the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental governance and wildlife protection.