Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Minister Shibu Baby John on Monday announced that a 24x7 call centre will be set up to address human-wildlife conflict in the state.

Even though Chief Minister V D Satheesan is yet to officially announce the portfolios, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader, after being sworn in as a minister, told reporters that he has been allocated the Forest, Skill Development and Cashew Industries departments.

"After the Cabinet meeting, officials from the department came to meet me. I directed them to start a 24x7 call centre to address human-wildlife conflict. Any person can bring their concerns to the notice of the minister and officials," he said.

He said further steps to address human-wildlife conflict would be initiated in the coming days.

"I want to make it clear that the Forest Department is not against farmers. No action will be taken against farmers and people residing in forest fringe areas during the tenure of this government. We will elaborate on this in the coming days," he said.

John said he came to know about the Forest portfolio being allocated to him on Saturday night.

"But I was told that when help from the Forest Department was sought, there was often no response. Considering this, the 24x7 call centre is being started. Directions have been given for immediate response and intervention in such distress calls," he said.

The minister said he would need a few more days to study the department and its functioning.

John represents the Chavara constituency in Kollam.

He had earlier served as Labour Minister in the Oommen Chandy government.

He is among the 20 ministers who were sworn in on Monday.

Human-wildlife conflict was a key issue raised during the Assembly election.

The UDF won 102 out of 140 seats in the state.