LSGs struggling as shooters demand higher pay in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local bodies and farmers across the state are struggling to tackle the rising wild-boar menace because of a lack of experienced shooters and adequate funds. And the shortage of guns and shooters has become a major handicap for local bodies in dealing with wild boars.

Given the increase in wild-boar attacks, the group of empanelled shooters tasked with eliminating the wild boars wreaking havoc on farmlands are demanding a significant rise in their compensation. At present, the state is paying the shooters Rs 1,000 per wild boar.

In a petition submitted to the government, the shooters have urged the authorities to adopt a more efficient method, such as the use of wild-hog trap cages to capture and eliminate the boars.

Anirudh Kaushik, a Thiruvananthapuram-based empanelled shooter who has killed over 500 wild boars, said a memorandum has been given to the government to raise the compensation to Rs 2,000.

“The cost of ammunition and fuel has increased recently, and besides a raise in compensation, we have requested the government to provide a fuel allowance,” Anirudh said. The unavailability of guns is becoming another challenge. According to shooters, the government should give a minimum of two gun licences in each ward.