Thiruvananthapuram, 28 Sept (H.S.): Kerala’s Forest Department plans to relocate 2,950 families from vulnerable tribal settlements and forest-fringe habitations to protect them from wildlife attacks and natural disasters.

The families have expressed willingness to move and will be rehabilitated in phases. The department estimates the programme will cost ₹450 crore and has sought funding from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Tribal settlements in the Western Ghats will receive special consideration.

The proposal addresses the danger of human-wildlife conflict as well as landslides, mudslides, floods and extreme rainfall. Its aim is to move families to safer places before a disaster strikes, instead of providing compensation after lives and homes are lost.

The rehabilitation package is expected to cover housing, roads, electricity, drinking water, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities. The department says tribal families’ rights and traditional way of life will be protected during relocation.

The plan is modelled on a package previously sanctioned by the Centre to relocate families from the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John told Manorama that steps had been taken to address a shortage of rehabilitation funds and that a larger allocation would be made in the next state Budget.

Kerala undertook a similar exercise after the 2018 floods. Under the Rebuild Kerala and Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board projects, 1,545 families were identified for relocation. Of those, 1,155 have moved.

The new proposal would extend that effort to families facing risks from both wildlife and severe weather. The department intends to carry out the move in stages, with funding and basic facilities in place for the families at their new locations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman