Kerala High Court Directs Chief Secretary To File Comprehensive Roadmap To Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict In Aralam And Wayanad

The Kerala High Court on Monday (03 March) directed the Chief Secretary of the State to submit a comprehensive roadmap outlining the State's proposed measures to address escalating human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad district, particularly in the Tribal Rehabilitation and Development Mission (TRDM) area in Aaralam, Kannur and other conflict-prone regions in WayanadA Division Bench comprising Dr. Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian were hearing petitions concerning the human- wildlife conflict in Wayanad and Aralam.The Court had previously criticised the State over the condition of Aralam Farm in Kannur District in light of the death of a person belonging to tribal community in an elephant attack and had directed the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Department, and the Chief Wildlife Warden to be present through video conference for the hearing. Today, an interaction was held through video conference with the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of the SC/ST Department, the Chief Wildlife Warden, and other senior officers. The Court also heard submissions from the Advocate General during the proceedings.Taking note of the urgency of the situation, the Bench observed that it was appropriate for the Chief Secretary to coordinate with all concerned departments and place before the Court a structured action plan. The roadmap is to contain concrete proposals for establishing robust defence mechanisms aimed at preventing wildlife incursions into human habitations. The measures under consideration include the construction of elephant walls and the installation of hanging solar-powered fences around the TRDM area in Aaralam, as well as in other identified conflict zones across Wayanad district.The Court emphasised that the roadmap must clearly specify the steps proposed to be undertaken by the State and the timelines within which such measures would be implemented. Stressing the urgency of the matter, the Bench instructed that the plan should reflect a time-bound strategy to ensure swift and effective intervention.During the hearing, the Court was informed that, with respect to the issue of drinking water supply to residents in the TRDM areas of Aralam, the State had already issued a Government Order dated February 10, 2026. As per the order, drinking water is to be supplied regularly through tanker lorries until the infrastructure under the Jalanidhi scheme is repaired and made fully operational.The Court directed that the report to be filed by the Chief Secretary must also include details regarding the progress made pursuant to the Government Order dated 10.02.2026, particularly in relation to the interim water supply arrangements and restoration of the Jalanidhi infrastructure."This is becoming a crisis situation. Also on that note, we have already recognised it as a State specific Natural disaster. So, when it comes to authorising the funds etc., funds that you are already getting under the disaster management Act can be employed for this. We have done it in a couple of cases. Bear that also in mind, when you take a decision." Court orally said to the Chief Secretary. The matter has been posted for further consideration on Friday, March 13, 2026.Case Title : Baiju Paul Mathews v State of Kerala and connected caseCase No : WP(C) 7858/ 2025 and connected caseParty in person.Counsel for Respondents - T R Harikumar, Arjun Raghavan, Nirmal S, V Harish, Nagaraj NaryananClick Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

Kerala High Court Directs Chief Secretary To File Comprehensive Roadmap To Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict In Aralam And Wayanad

Anamika MJ

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