Ajayan
The age-old wisdom of "missing the forests for the trees" resonates profoundly with the current endeavours of the Kerala Government in addressing the escalating issue of human-animal conflict. Amidst the efforts and promises, there appears to be a crucial oversight—the absence of decisive measures aimed at a lasting resolution.
The primal force propelling wildlife to stray from their natural sanctuaries is the dearth of water and sustenance inside the forests. Their exodus is not a leisurely excursion or a ceremonial yatra like those in power fancifully undertake, but a desperate quest for survival. Scarcity compels these wild animals to venture into human settlements, where the bounty of food resources stands in stark contrast to the barrenness of their forest homes. Experts highlight the presence of exotic fruits and vegetables scattered across farmlands serving as easy and tempting food sources for these animals.
Erecting barriers to thwart animals from straying beyond shrinking forests, monitoring their movements with increased vigilance, or even resorting to the sophisticated technique of radio-collaring them are unfortunately perceived as long-term solutions. However, their efficacy may falter unless the underlying challenge of ensuring an abundance of food and water within the forests is earnestly addressed. The looming spectre of wild creatures venturing into urban territories in search of sustenance underscores the urgency for immediate and concerted action. Resorting to lethal or tranquilizing steps, though tempting in the face of this mounting challenge, falls short of offering a sustainable solution to this burgeoning crisis.
Kerala boasts a network of over 80 dams, with the KSEB overseeing 59, the irrigation department managing 20 and the Water Authority administering two. Remarkably, all districts except Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kasargod and Malappuram feature reservoirs. Among these, Idukki leads with an impressive 20, Palakkad 15 and Pathanamthitta 11.
Nestled within the forest reserves, these dams are under the custodianship of the forest department, which gets no royalty. Each dam serves a distinct purpose: some are for hydropower generation and some to channel their waters to nourish the fertile fields, which too like forests are shrinking. The Kerala Water Authority relies on many of these dams to quench the thirst of the State's populace, often leaving the purses of its consumers parched like the taps that have trickles and in long intervals. Some cater to the water requirements of neighbouring States like the Siruvani Dam in Palakkad or the Mullaperiyar in Idukki.
The conservation and enhancement of these vital water resources and forests demand significant costs, necessitating the identification of sustainable funding sources. Going by the principle of paying for ecosystem services to preserve and rejuvenate the environment, it is imperative for the State Government to reassess the current system. As part of ecosystem restoration and water conservation efforts in forested areas, from where the rivers originate, it is only fitting for the custodial forest department to be entitled to royalties for the utilization of its natural resource. This can in turn be used for various conservation activities, right from mapping and compensation for relocating people to rejuvenating water sources.
Sadly, the notion of departments being accountable for forest resources might initially face resistance from authorities. Yet, the exigencies of the present moment call for such a proactive and timely approach, as both the forests and the people residing outside need protection. Crucially, this should not translate into an additional burden on the public through the oft-resorted imposition of cess, a practice for which the current government has gained notoriety.
There is an urgent need for a comprehensive mapping of the State's sprawling forests, including its flora, fauna, soil composition and the delicate balance of predator-prey dynamics. In this age of technological marvels, such a task is more achievable than ever before. Those dwelling within the reserve areas, particularly in critical elephant corridors, and those who operate resorts there should heed the call to relocate outside forests as that is the place for wildlife and not humans.
Former senior scientist of the Kerala Forest Research Institute S Sankar points to the successful rehabilitation model by the Wildlife Trust of India, spearheaded by wildlife biologist Sabu Jahas. Residents from four villages in a challenging elephant corridor in Wayanad were relocated. The outcome was transformative, as the area soon turned into a dense forest habitat for elephants and other wildlife. Sankar emphasizes that challenging circumstances demand bold and decisive actions, advocating for a shift in mindset to effectively address this pressing issue.
The 44 rivers of Kerala, originating in the Western Ghats, journey down, save for two, into the Arabian Sea. The terrain's gradient is steep and unforgiving, swiftly carrying the waters seaward in mere hours after a rain, leaving behind a near-barren path.
It is imperative to conserve this water, redirecting it to marshy lands, natural waterholes and even construction of small check dams in forests. But these dams, if strategically placed away from slopes and hilltops, can become crucial lifelines and ensure that all the water does not go seawards. These can be a lasting solution to many of these issues, though it may be a challenging notion for die-hard naturalists to accept.. Through careful mapping of forests, experts can easily identify suitable flat areas where these small dams using natural resources like mud and rocks can be built.
These water sources will not only quench the thirst of wildlife but also nurture the growth of plants and shrubs, offering essential sustenance to animals. Moreover, they will contribute to replenishing the groundwater table, ensuring that ecological balance thrives. As a pragmatic measure, these dams could also serve as water sources for a fleet of four-wheel-drive vehicles lying dormant in the forests, facilitating the transportation of water in tanks to combat forest fires during dry summer months.
The lingering question persists whether the Government is truly committed to addressing the looming crisis, or merely skim the surface by focusing on cleaning ponds and small water bodies within the reserves. A decisive leap is required, and the forest department is granted the essential funds, sourced from the royalties (forgetting that there has been free use of these resources till date). Superficial efforts will prove fleeting, and the day when wildlife comes to town may not be as distant as imagined.
