Farmers demand urgent action to address Wild Animal and Stray Cattle Menace: AIKS and AIAWU Lead March to Parliament
In a powerful show of unity, farmers from across the country, led by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the All India Agricultural Workers Union (AIAWU), marched to Parliament, demanding immediate action from the government to address the growing crisis posed by wild animals and stray cattle. The issue, which has severely impacted farmers’ livelihoods, was highlighted as a result of flawed government policies and negligence, forcing wildlife to encroach upon human settlements.
Impact of Wrong Policies on Environment and Wildlife
According to the farmer unions, the problem is rooted in misguided afforestation efforts that have promoted the planting of water-draining species like Eucalyptus, Acacia, Teak, Mahogany, Chir, and African Tulip. These species, widely planted across various regions, have led to groundwater depletion, exacerbating environmental issues and reducing natural food sources for wild animals. As a result, wildlife, including monkeys, boars, and elephants, are increasingly straying into human habitats in search of food and water.
The negligence of the Forest Department has only worsened the situation. Their failure to manage forests and wildlife properly has led to a surge in human-wildlife conflict. In many areas, farmers are left to fend for themselves as wild animals destroy crops and threaten lives.
Himachal Pradesh’s Struggle with Wildlife
Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, President of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, shared the ongoing struggles of farmers in Himachal Pradesh, who fought for over a decade to have monkeys declared as vermin. While this marked a significant victory, Dr. Tanwar criticized the government for its reluctance to implement scientific methods to control other destructive wild animals.
He also highlighted the growing problem of stray cattle, which are not only damaging crops but also causing accidents on roads. Stray and unproductive cattle have become a major issue across many states, adding to the burden on farmers.
Farmer Unions’ 10-Point Demand to the Government
To address these pressing concerns, AIKS and AIAWU presented a 10-point demand charter to the central government, urging immediate reforms. Among their key demands are:
- Amend Key Laws: Amend the Indian Forest Act (1927), Wildlife Protection Act (1972), and Forest Conservation Act (1980) to ensure the safety of human life, property, and livelihoods, alongside wildlife protection. They also called for a separate law to protect human life from wild animal attacks.
- State Control over Wildlife: The unions demanded that state governments be empowered to declare wild animals as vermin and control them through sterilization or scientific elimination.
- Stop Arbitrary Creation of Wildlife Reserves: The government was asked to stop the arbitrary creation of elephant corridors, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, which often result in forced evictions and human displacement.
- Ensure Forest and Community Rights: The unions called for the protection of forest rights and community rights, demanding that violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and PESA be stopped immediately.
- Lift Ban on Animal Trade: The farmers also urged the government to lift the ban on animal trade, purchase unproductive animals at market prices, and take strict action against cow protection groups that have resorted to violence.
- Compensation for Victims of Wildlife Attacks: AIKS and AIAWU demanded a compensation of ₹1 crore and government employment for the families of those killed in wild animal attacks, as well as ₹50 lakh compensation for those seriously injured.
- Compensation for Crop Loss: Proper assessment of crop losses due to wild animals was demanded, with Panchayats and Gram Sabhas involved in the process to ensure fair compensation.
- Replace Invasive Tree Species: The unions called for the phased removal of invasive tree species and the promotion of fruit trees and bamboo to restore ecological balance.
- Install Wildlife Deterrents: They proposed digging trenches, installing wire and electric fences, and setting up early warning systems in areas prone to wildlife intrusions.
- Community Night Watch under MNREGA: The unions suggested organizing community watch systems from dusk to sunrise under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), with a daily wage of ₹1000 to monitor and prevent wildlife threats.
The Need for Immediate Action
The demands made by AIKS and AIAWU highlight the urgency of addressing the wild animal and stray cattle menace. Farmers have been struggling with this issue for years, and the government’s slow response has only added to their plight. Crop losses, human-wildlife conflict, and the growing number of stray cattle are pushing many farmers to the brink, threatening their livelihoods.
With the march to Parliament, the unions have made it clear that they will no longer tolerate inaction. They have demanded swift and effective measures to protect both farmers and wildlife, calling for the government to prioritize the safety and security of rural communities.
The future of India’s farmers depends on how quickly these demands are addressed. Without proper intervention, the wild animal menace could further devastate agricultural communities, leaving farmers more vulnerable than ever.