Kerala Cabinet Approves Draft Bill Empowering Officials to Order Killing of Threatening Wild Animals
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the draft Kerala Forest Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to amend the Kerala Forest Act, 1961. This legislation empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to order the immediate killing of wild animals that attack or injure individuals within residential areas. Notably, this is the first time an Indian state has introduced such an amendment. The bill aims to bypass time-consuming procedures in the existing Central Act, removing the requirement for Union government permission to declare animals in Schedule II as vermin in specific conflict scenarios. It also includes provisions to promote sandalwood cultivation on private land.
Key Points
- The Chief Wildlife Warden is now empowered to order the killing of animals attacking humans in residential zones without prior Union government approval.
- The bill amends the Kerala Forest Act of 1961 to streamline response times in human-wildlife conflicts.
- It specifically targets animals listed in Schedule II that pose an immediate threat to life.
- The legislation also aims to promote sandalwood cultivation by allowing farmers to sell wood through registered depots.
Exam Facts
- Kerala Forest Amendment Bill 2025
- Kerala Forest Act 1961
- Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act
- Chief Wildlife Warden
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