'Human wildlife conflict' should be notified as "natural disaster" by states: Supreme Court
Supreme Court has also called for inclusive compensation policies for crop damage, loss of life of both human and cattle.
The Supreme court has observed that notifying 'Human wildlife conflict' as a "natural disaster" (as has already been done by some states like Uttar Pradesh) should be actively considered by other states.
Notably all States have also been directed to give ex-gratia amount of Rs. 10 lakh as fixed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under Central Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IWDH).
On the aspect of proper Human Wildlife Conflict Management, the top court has ordered that as per the recommendations made by the Expert Committee, appointed by it in 2024, it will be appropriate if the NTCA frames Model Guidelines, incorporating these suggestions within 6 months, which will then in turn be implemented by the State Governments within 6 months from the date the Model Guidelines are issued.
It has been clarified that the NTCA may consult the State Governments and the CEC, if required, while framing these Model Guidelines. The Expert Committee’s recommendations, which the NTCA may take note of, also include, (a) all states should have smooth and inclusive compensation policies for crop damage, loss of life of both human and cattle and, (b) in order reduce the timelines to mitigate the issues resulting out of Human wildlife conflict, close coordination between different agencies and departments with mandated responsibilities is ensured.
As a part of the same judgment, Supreme Court has also directed state of Uttarakhand through its Chief Wildlife Warden, in consultation with the CEC to submit a plan for the restoration of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in line with the recommendations made by the Expert Committee, within a period of 2 months. A CJI BR Gavai led bench has further asked the state to begin all clearing/demolition of unauthorised construction as identified by the Expert Committee, before the lapse of 3 months from the date of its judgment; and file a compliance affidavit within a period of 1 year from the date of its judgment.
"In relation to Corbett Tiger Reserve, the CEC will monitor and supervise the implementation of the ecological restoration plan developed by the State of Uttarakhand. While developing and implementing this plan and carrying out afforestation, the State of Uttarakhand must ensure that only native and indigenous species are identified, with special care to not introduce any alien species to the ecosystem", the judgment adds.
Case Title: IN RE : CORBETT
Judgment Date: November 17, 2025
Bench: CJI Gavai, Justice AG Masih and Justice AS Chandurkar