In the lush green hills of Wayanad, Kerala, a sinister conflict has taken hold. Wild elephants, tigers, and other animals have encroached upon human habitats, threatening lives and livelihoods. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, this human-wildlife conflict has ignited a firestorm of debate, with farmers and tribals bearing the brunt of this crisis.
In the heart of this conflict lies Vadakkanad village, where wild animals have claimed at least eight lives and destroyed acres of crops in the past decade. Farmers like KP Chandran, who has spent his life cultivating his land, now live in fear, unable to venture out after dusk. The elephants, which once roamed freely in the adjacent forests, now trample crops and destroy livelihoods. Chandran’s once-flourishing farm, where he grew an array of crops, is now a testament to the devastation caused by these animals.
Kalyani, an octogenarian, has given up farming altogether, her land lying fallow. Haunted by the memory of a wild elephant toppling a tree in her yard, she lives in an unfinished concrete house, terrified to even relieve herself at night. The government’s promises of assistance have fallen on deaf ears, leaving her with no hope but to die on the land she has called home for decades.
The crisis extends beyond farmers to the tribal communities who rely on the forest for sustenance. Suresh, a 35-year-old tribal worker, has seen his livelihood dwindle as wild animals have driven away the farming jobs he depended on. With no alternative sources of income, he is forced to travel to nearby towns in search of daily wage labor.
The root of this conflict, according to locals, lies in the destruction of natural forests and the plantation of commercial trees. Wild animals, deprived of their natural habitats and food sources, are venturing into human territory in search of sustenance. Despite demands from villagers and environmentalists, the government has yet to implement effective measures to address the issue.
Farmers and tribals alike are united in their plea to the government: confine wild animals to the forest and provide them with ample food and water. They demand effective barriers, such as rail fencing covered with nets, to prevent animals from straying into agricultural land. Compensation for victims of wildlife attacks, they argue, must also be increased to reflect the human toll of this crisis.
As the election campaign intensifies, candidates from various political parties have pledged to tackle this issue. Rahul Gandhi, the incumbent MP and Congress leader, has visited the families of victims and promised to find a solution. Annie Raja, his CPI opponent, has acknowledged the severity of the situation and pledged to continue the government’s efforts. However, farmers and tribals remain skeptical, having witnessed broken promises in the past.
The human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human society. As the country heads to the polls, it is imperative that politicians prioritize the concerns of those who live on the front lines of this conflict. The survival of farmers, tribals, and the fragile ecosystem upon which they depend hang in the balance.
