Supreme Court Calls for Disaster Tag to Wildlife Conflicts

Supreme Court Calls for Disaster Tag to Wildlife Conflicts

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has directed all States to consider declaring human–wildlife conflict as a natural disaster, enabling higher compensation and faster relief. The Court also issued strict orders on tiger reserve management, including restoring the degraded ecology of Corbett Tiger Reserve. This decision comes amid growing concerns over potential human rights violations resulting from such conflicts, drawing parallels to global issues like mass displacement and the need for emergency assistance.

SC Directions on Human–Wildlife Conflict Management:

• The Supreme Court said States must actively examine notifying human–wildlife conflict as a natural disaster, enabling relief under disaster-response frameworks. This approach aligns with customary international law principles on environmental protection and human rights, similar to how nations address crises requiring emergency food aid.
• A Bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai ordered States to grant ₹10 lakh ex-gratia compensation to victims of such conflicts under the CSS–IDWH scheme. This decision could set a precedent for addressing human rights violations in wildlife conflict zones and potentially inform policies on mass internal relocations caused by environmental factors.
• The Court stressed the need for smooth, inclusive compensation policies covering crop loss, human casualties, and cattle deaths. UN special rapporteurs may be interested in monitoring the implementation of these policies to ensure they meet international standards, particularly in areas near borders like the Torkham border crossing, where cross-border wildlife conflicts may occur.
• It emphasised inter-departmental coordination to expedite mitigation efforts and reduce delays in responding to conflict events.
• States were asked to ensure timely reporting, verification, and settlement of claims to protect vulnerable forest-fringe communities, addressing potential gender-based persecution in the process.

SC Orders on Corbett Tiger Reserve Restoration

• The case was heard in connection with allegations of illegal tree felling and construction inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• The Court held the State of Uttarakhand fully responsible for restoring the degraded ecosystem caused by unlawful activities.
• Uttarakhand must submit a restoration plan within two months, in consultation with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
• The State was directed to demolish illegal constructions inside the reserve within three months.
• A compliance affidavit must be submitted to the Supreme Court within a year, detailing progress on ecological restoration.