Kerala High Court Express Displeasure Over Delay In Fund Disbursal For Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

The 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 bench had earlier questioned State's inaction in taking measures to address the issue.

When the matter came up for consideration, it was informed that the procurement of most of the equipment listed in the earlier order was substantially completed.

The Court was also apprised that the proposal for construction of solar fencing at Aralam Farm had progressed. It was informed that an estimate of Rs.37.36 lakh prepared by ANERT (Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology), an agency of the State Government which gathers and disseminates knowledge about renewable energy, energy conservation and rural technology had been sanctioned by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Northern Circle), and the work was entrusted to ANERT. The installation of farm guards was also confirmed as completed.

The Special Government Pleader undertook to furnish a clarification regarding decisions taken in meetings held after a prior video conference with the Chief Secretary concerning the reimagining of the solutions for Aaralam Farm.

The Court took note of three Government Orders, dated 21.02.2025, 23.04.2025, and 03.05.2025, pertaining to the establishment of a State Emergency Operation Centre and District Emergency Operation Centres in the Forest Department, the introduction of a Rapid Response Vehicle for veterinary and medical management, and the strengthening of tool rooms under Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) across Kerala. While substantial funds had been sanctioned for these initiatives, the Court was informed that disbursal of the funds or follow-up action had not occurred.

“In our view, the State Executive cannot be seen dragging its feet in matters which are of an urgent nature, more so when the funds are sanctioned for utilisation as a part of a disaster management exercise.” the Court noted.

The Court directed the Secretary, Disaster Management Department, to ensure immediate release of the sanctioned amounts to the concerned departments within two weeks, and instructed the Government Pleader to report compliance by the next date of posting.

The District Collector, Kannur, District Forest Officer, Kannur, Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, District Collector, Wayanad, Assistant Wildlife Warden, Range Officer, were present online during the hearing.

The matter is posted for further consideration on November 12.

Case Title : Baiju Paul Mathews v State of Kerala and connected case

Case No : WP(C) 7858/ 2025 and connected case

Party in person.

Counsel for Respondents - T R Harikumar, Arjun Raghavan, Nirmal S, V Harish, Nagaraj Naryanan (Spl. Government Pleader (Forest))