In a major move aimed at addressing the concerns of farmers, the state cabinet on Wednesday decided to authorise local self-government institutions to eliminate wild boars that destroy crops or pose a threat to human life or assets. However, poisoning, electrocution or use of explosives to kill them will not be allowed.

• Gram panchayat presidents, Municipal Chairpersons and Corporation Mayors can be appointed as Honourary Wildlife Warden by the state government, as per the Wildlife Protection Act. The Chief Wildlife Warden can also appoint Secretaries of Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations as authorised officials to kill wild boars. 
• While killing wild boars, the authorities should ensure that there's no damage to human life, property, domestic animals and other wildlife.
• Meanwhile Maneka Gandhi urged that the order should be revoked as it posed a threat to the forest ecology and could also increase human-animal conflicts.

By: Brijesh Kumar