Solar Fencing Project to Address Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Kerala

The Kerala agriculture department is launching a solar fencing project to mitigate crop losses due to human-wildlife conflicts. This initiative, under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, will be implemented in 12 districts of the state, excluding Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, with a funding ratio of 60:40 between the central and state governments.

Although funds were allocated in March, the project’s implementation was delayed due to the election code of conduct. The project plan has now been sanctioned, and the first phase of fencing works has commenced in six districts. The financial allocations are as follows:

Kollam: Rs 1.89 crores

Kottayam: Rs 1.90 crores

Idukki: Rs 2.20 crores

Wayanad: Rs 3.38 crores

Kozhikode: Rs 1.25 crores

Kannur: Rs 2.18 crores

Principal agriculture officers are responsible for the project’s implementation, considering recommendations from the panchayat councils. Areas already equipped with similar fencing are exempt from this project.