Law Minister P Rajeev recently indicated that the state government, acting on legal advice, is considering the introduction of an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to empower the chief wildlife warden to authorise any person to kill or capture a wild animal that causes serious injury to human beings or poses threat to a public place. The government is bringing in the new legislation as the current legislative framework was inadequate to protect human lives during emergencies.

“If an elephant or tiger strays into a populated area and attacks people, waiting for clearance from top forest authorities is impractical. Marginalised communities and small farmers are the worst affected. A comprehensive policy must protect human life while also recognising the ecological value of wildlife,” the minister had said. He had also recalled that in February, the Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution unanimously urging the Union Government to empower chief conservators of forests to take emergency measures.

Legal experts, however, feel that bringing in an amendment to a central legislation will not be an easy task for the state government.