In a first, two tribal representatives included in State Wildlife Board

For the first time, two tribal representatives have been appointed to the State Wildlife Board, according to Forest Minister Shibu Baby John. The representatives, Raman Raja Mannan from the Mannan community and Vinod from the Cholanaikkan community, were introduced during a meeting with tribal people as part of the 'Oorunarvu' initiative.

This program, launched at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, aims to improve tribal living conditions while incorporating traditional knowledge into forest conservation and addressing human-wildlife conflict. The Chief Minister serves as the Board's Chairman. The new members were chosen to ensure tribal participation and the integration of their traditional wisdom into forest management.

The Ministry highlighted the importance of preserving traditional tribal knowledge, which is at risk of fading, and promised to document it. Additionally, a ₹50-crore ecotourism proposal, including a ₹20-crore tiger museum in Thekkady, will be submitted to the Union Government. The project aims to generate more income for the tribal community.

The government also assured that drinking water shortages in tribal hamlets would be addressed, damaged connecting roads repaired, and streetlights installed along settlement roads. This was the second interaction meeting under the Oorunarvu programme, following the first event in Nilambur on July 23.