Keralam has sought exclusion of farmlands and human settlements from ESA: Minister
The Keralam government is petitioning the Centre to exclude farmlands and human settlements from the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) list. Additionally, the Agriculture Minister announced a compensation package for farmers affected by wildlife attacks.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing tension between environmental conservation policies and the economic livelihoods of rural agricultural communities.
The Keralam government has submitted a report to the Centre seeking to exclude farm lands and human settlements from the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) list, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique has said.
Addressing the media at Kuttikkanam in Idukki, Keralam, on Thursday (October 8, 2026), the Minister said the government would make every effort to get the revised list accepted. He added that, if necessary, State representatives would travel to New Delhi to press the Centre to approve Keralam’s demands regarding the ESA.
The Minister announced that the government would take steps to provide 100% compensation to farmers who suffered crop losses due to wild animal attacks. A total of ₹110 crore in pending farmer compensation dating back to 2021 would be disbursed starting in the final week of October 2026.
He said that measures would be taken to ensure better prices for agricultural produce.
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