Kerala wildlife attacks: Existing laws protect wild animals, not people of high ranges, says Archbishop Pamplany
The Hindu
Thalassery Archbishop criticizes forest laws for prioritizing wildlife over human lives, sparking concerns over human-wildlife conflict in Kerala
Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany on Wednesday (February 26, 2025) said the existing forest and wildlife laws were aimed at protecting the interests of the wild animals and not the lives and livelihoods of the tribals and famers living in the high range areas of Kerala.
The Archbishop made these remarks referring to the recent and past elephant attacks in the Aralam farm area of Kannur district that claimed around 16 human lives.
Archbishop Pamplany claimed that despite highlighting the plight of the tribals and the farmers of the high ranges, including Aralam farm, neither the Centre nor the State government was doing anything to protect the common people.
"Instead, swayed by the carbon funds given by big industries, deliberate attempts are being made to designate these areas as forest regions and silently remove the tribals and farmers living there," he further claimed while speaking at a private event here.
He contended that it was a "sad and unfortunate truth" that the tribals and farmers in the high ranges have no rights under the wildlife laws.
"In such circumstances, can anyone be blamed for thinking that the governments are treating the tribals and farmers of the high ranges as prey and fodder of the wild animals?" he asked.
"The wild animals and the governments have the same stand with regard to people living in the high ranges," the Archbishop added.
Bengaluru commuters demand platform screen doors for safety, but high costs and engineering challenges hinder implementation on existing metro routes.
Madras HC to hear appeals on December 12 regarding the lighting of Mahadeepam at Thirupparankundram temple.
N. Ram warns that hate politics threatens India’s democracy, urging the South to remain a bastion against these forces.
Nanjil Sampath joins Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, revitalizing his political career after six years away from party politics.
D.K. Shivakumar announces that five Blue Line stations will open once construction is completed, enhancing Bengaluru's airport connectivity.
Russia begins fuel shipments for Kudankulam's third reactor, enhancing efficiency and extending operational cycles for the nuclear power project.
Supreme Court urges governments to simplify administration, warning that excessive rules may lead to judicial review and citizen burdens.
Trinamool MP Shatabdi Roy's remarks on Bangla-speaking deportations spark protests in Lok Sabha, igniting a heated political debate.
Sunali Khatun returns to India with her son after six months in Bangladesh, following Supreme Court intervention.
Warangal will be developed on the lines of Hyderabad, says Revanth
Three-tier security measures and traffic restrictions are in place for the India-South Africa ODI match in Vizag.
A seven-year-old girl dies from severe dengue shock syndrome in Bengaluru, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant families in healthcare access.
DGP reviews security arrangements for Global Summit