Speedy proposals and action needed to address human-animal conflict: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court recently observed that the measures being taken by the authorities to address human-animal conflicts in the State need to be expeditiously implemented [Gaurav Tewari v Union of India]..A division bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly opined that even though the guidelines formulated in this regard seem to be in the process of being implemented, more proposals and action are needed to address the issue.“In the light of the above, in as much as the guidelines have been implemented and steps have also been taken as stated supra, we only observe that the proposals and the action to be taken, be expedited,” the Court said. .The Court was considering a petition seeking protection for animals living in the forest, and also for a direction to the government to take remedial measures to prevent attacks on wild animals.The petitioner submitted that he was prompted to approach the Court after an incident from May 2020, when a pregnant elephant succumbed to injuries caused due to eating a pineapple filled with crackers.It was contended that the State is bound to protect and safeguard the wildlife of the country, and Article 51A Part IV A of the Constitution of India casts duties on every citizen of India.It was further pointed out other States where wild elephants frequently stray into inhabited areas have take preventive measures to minimise human-animal conflict. .Pursuant to previous orders of the Court, the Chief Wild Life Warden submitted that appropriate action is being taken to reduce human-wildlife conflict based on guidelines for Management of Human Elephant Conflicts 2017.Some of these measures include construction of solar powered fences, elephant-proof walls, crash guard rope fencing, etc., to prevent wild elephants from entering human settlements and farm lands.It was submitted that for improving the habitats of wild animals, various activities like soil and moisture conservation activities, construction and maintenance of check dams, water holes to store water and eradication of exotic flora, and planting of endemic species, etc. are being carried out.Moreover, it was stated that 15 Rapid Response Teams are deployed in highly prone areas to drive away wild animals especially elephants straying into human settlements.It was further submitted that compensation is paid for death, injury causing handicap and other injuries due to wildlife attacks and to farmers for 27 crops that sustain loss/damage due to attack by wild animals at the rates. 261 Jana Jagratha Samithies are formed in various Panchayaths bordering forest areas for mitigating human-animal conflict, it was informed. .The Court appreciated the said measures but emphasised that they need to be expedited. .The petitioner was represented by advocates M Ramesh Chander, CK Rapheeque, KB Nidhinkumar, Nisha G Tharamal and Sarimol Kareethara.Assistant Solicitor General of India Manu S and Central Government Counsel Jaishankar V Nair appeared for the respondents..[Read Judgment]