Thiruvananthapuram, 12 Feb (H.S.):The Kerala government has decided to constitute a high-level Empowered Committee to accelerate development initiatives in the State’s hill and high-range regions while ensuring ecological protection and sustainable growth. The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of the committee, with the Ministers for Agriculture and Forests acting as Vice-Chairpersons. The Chief Secretary will function as the Convenor. The panel is expected to bring together multiple departments to streamline planning, clear bottlenecks, and fast-track projects aimed at improving livelihoods in the mountainous regions of the State.
A key objective of the committee is to implement a “zero-casualty” policy in tackling human–wildlife conflict, a recurring concern in Kerala’s forest-fringe areas. The government plans to deploy modern technology and habitat restoration measures to reduce encounters between humans and wild animals. Advanced monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and scientific interventions are likely to form part of the strategy.
The Cabinet has also announced insurance coverage for farmers who suffer crop losses due to wildlife attacks. This move is expected to provide financial security to thousands of farmers living in vulnerable areas.
In an effort to boost the hill economy, the government aims to transform the Western Ghats region from a raw commodity-based system into a value-added economy. Emphasis will be placed on processing, branding, and marketing agricultural and spice products to enhance farmers’ incomes. Coordinated marketing systems for hill produce and spices will also be introduced.
At the same time, the government has assured that infrastructure development will proceed without compromising environmental regulations. Key projects such as the Hill Highway, ropeways, and airstrips will be taken forward by removing procedural hurdles while adhering to ecological safeguards.
The committee will also finalise the boundaries of environmentally sensitive zones and expedite the distribution of land titles on non-forest land, addressing long-pending demands of settlers and residents. Authorities said wildlife protection laws would be implemented in a more people-friendly manner.
The Empowered Committee will meet once every three months and will directly review proposals and issues submitted by various departments and district collectors, ensuring faster decision-making and coordinated action for the sustainable development of Kerala’s hill regions.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
