SC directs states to consider treating human-wildlife conflict a 'natural disaster'

In a decision of major significance for Kerala, the Supreme Court directed all states to consider classifying human-wildlife conflict as a "natural disaster". The court also mandated that ₹10 lakh be paid as ex gratia compensation for each human life lost in such incidents. This uniform compensation amount was set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the CSS Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.

Though the bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice AG Masih and Justice AS Chandurkar passed the directions while considering the issues related to the Jim Corbett tiger park in Uttarakhand, the order will have its implications in Kerala, which has been seeing a rise in the number of animal raids, especially in the state's high-range areas. 

A total of 344 lives were lost in human-wildlife conflict in Kerala between 2021 and 2025, with wild elephants causing the majority of deaths among major species between 2016 and January 2025. In response to increasing conflict, the Kerala government declared it a "state-specific disaster" in February 2025 to expedite aid.

The court has directed the National Tiger Conservation Authority to frame model guidelines on human–wildlife conflict within six months. All states must implement these guidelines within six months of their issuance, the court said.

The court emphasised that timely compensation is crucial for maintaining public trust and encouraging community participation in conservation programs. By classifying human-wildlife conflict as a natural disaster, funds can be disbursed more quickly, disaster management resources can be accessed immediately, and administrative accountability can be clarified.

The court issued these directions while considering the ecological damage to the Jim Corbett tiger reserve in Uttarakhand caused by illegal tree felling and unauthorised construction.
(With LiveLaw inputs)