Human deaths in wild elephant attacks in Keralam decline marginally; 4 kumki squads to be set up

representational image | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The number of human casualties in man-wild elephant conflicts has declined marginally in Keralam over the past five years, according to figures provided by the Forest department in the Assembly here on Wednesday.

A total of 102 people were killed by wild elephants in the State during the past five financial years, including the current financial year up to September. The number of deaths fell from 27 in 2022-23 to 22 in 2023-24 and 19 in 2024-25, before rising to 22 in 2025-26 and remaining at the same level in the current financial year.

The number of people injured also showed a marginal decline, from 33 in 2022-23 to 25 in 2023-24, 32 in 2024-25, 33 in 2025-26, and 22 in the current financial year.

According to Forest Minister Shibu Baby John, several measures have been implemented in selected regions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict by detecting the presence of wild animals near forest boundaries and providing advance warnings. These include AI-enabled cameras, camera traps, drone squads, and a real-time SMS alert system. WhatsApp groups involving local residents have also been formed, while a three-tier smart fence system based on AI technology has been deployed to alert the public, he said.

Further, the State government also plans to establish four kumki elephant squads to manage wild elephant herds and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, the Minister informed the Assembly.

7 elephant corridors identified

A study conducted by the Forest department with the assistance of the Wildlife Trust of India has identified seven elephant corridors. These include inter-State corridors in Wayanad (Begur-Brahmagiri) and Malappuram (Mudumalai-Nilambur), as well as corridors in Kannur (Kottiyoor-Periya), Wayanad (Thirunelli-Kuthirakkode, Kottiyoor-Periya and Pakranthalam), and Malappuram (Nilambur-Appankappu and Nilambur Kovilakam-New Amarambalam).

As part of efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, various protective measures have been taken along forest boundaries adjoining human settlements. Across 36 forest divisions, 663.322 km of solar hanging fences have been installed at 205 locations, while 2,074.80 km of solar fences have been installed at 955 locations. Elephant trenches, elephant-proof walls, rail fences and crash-guard rope fences have also been established, the Minister said.

The government has also issued an order increasing by 25% the financial assistance provided to people injured in human-wildlife conflicts and to the dependents of those killed in such incidents. Under the revised compensation scheme, the dependents of those killed in human-wildlife conflicts will receive ₹17.5 lakh. In cases of deaths caused by snake, honeybee or wasp attacks, the compensation will be ₹5 lakh.

Those who suffer 40% to 60% disability will receive ₹2.5 lakh as compensation, while those with more than 60% disability will receive ₹3,12,500, said the Minister.

Published - October 28, 2026 01:48 pm IST