Explained: Rising man-animal conflicts in India

I. What is man-animal conflict?

• Human-wildlife conflict refers to the unfriendly situation between people and animals, resulting in undesirable effects not only for animals but also for humans. For example, crop loss, livestock predation, injury, or death, as well as the killing of wildlife, can be some of the aftermath.
• Such conflicts occur when human activities expand into the habitat of animals and the human population increases and starts to come into contact with wildlife in these dominated areas.
• The man-animal conflict has profound consequences not only on the immediate wildlife but also on the entire ecosystem and socio-economic systems of the affected areas.
• Human lives and livelihoods are often impacted by such conflicts. People suffer emotional trauma due to fatalities and injuries. In addition, farmers who have experienced livestock predation lose an opportunity to feed their families. Rural and agricultural communities struggle to stay in business due to crop depredation.

II. High rate of conflicts across India

Several states in India have witnessed a significant increase in man-animal conflict, including:

• Uttarakhand reported 700 cases in the year 2022 alone. The state has been put on high alert after three people died and 15 were injured due to man-animal conflict at the start of 2024.
• Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed a sharp rise in the cases of man-animal conflict. There were 34 cases of deaths due to leopard attacks, and 367 cases of injury, of which 99 cases were of grievous injury.
• Karnataka is witnessing an intense social movement on the issue of man-animal conflict. 92 human lives were lost and 126 animals died in the year 2022 alone, as reported by the state’s forest department. The close proximity of urban areas with national parks and reserves coupled with rapid urbanization is making the problem worse.
• Kerala, in 2022, witnessed 58 human and 117 animal deaths due to conflict situations. The problem is worsening due to growing urbanization, decreasing animal habitats, overcrowding, and climate change impacts.

III. Factors contributing to the rise in man-animal conflicts

• Rapid industrialization and urban development have caused the habitats’ fragmentation and destruction, causing animals to enter into human settlements in search of resources like food, water and shelter.  The ever-expanding human activities have now started to interfere with the natural habitats of animals leading to increased invasion and chances of conflict.
• The delicate balance that exists between humans and animals in the world has further been disrupted by climate change and environmental degradation, making the conflict even more overwhelming. These negative interactions have been fuelled by changing weather patterns, reduction in natural resources and alterations in animal migration routes.
• Ineffective application of laws and policies concerning wildlife conservation and habitat preservation is also a reason behind rising man-animal conflict cases across the country. Weak enforcement, insufficient funds and poor collaboration among stakeholders have created hindrances in the effective management of conflicts.
• Additionally, the growing human population and the corresponding demand for land and resources have put pressure on wildlife habitats, leading to increased encounters between humans and animals.

IV. Legal and judicial perspective

• Our Constitution reinforces the ties of every citizen with nature. It is instilled in the form of a fundamental duty under Article 51A(g). This same principle was further extended and reflected in the case of Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors. (2014) and State of Gujarat v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat (2005). Supreme Court recognized and expressed an opinion in these cases that animals deserve rights just like we humans do. It focused on the welfare of the animals where they are granted legal status or "persona".
• The 2006 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has indirect reference to wildlife corridors, which allows for the safe movement of tigers and other wild animals from one area to another. However, its implementation has had many difficulties the delay in notification of such corridors, inadequate policy and legal framework, unavailability of funds, lack of cooperation among various government agencies etc.
• A private member’s bill called the Wildlife Corridors Bill was also introduced in Lok Sabha in 2019 by Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale to tackle the issue of wildlife-human conflict.

V. State responses to man-animal conflict

Uttarakhand:

•  Working towards the development of eco-tourism and community-based conservation programmes, by involving local communities and providing them with economic benefits.
• Creating wildlife corridors, ( Jim-Corbett – Rajaji Corridor, Kedarnath Wildlife Corridor, Askot - Musk Deer Corridor) and establishing an environment that fosters coexistence between humans and animals. This is due to the need for connectivity of habitats for wildlife and safeguarding their movement.
• Adopted a subsidy programme for crop and property losses due to wildlife.  This is to further the financial strengthening of the affected communities.

Karnataka:

• Instituted reimbursement schemes for agricultural and property owners for the crop and property damages by wildlife that are intended to minimize the financial losses inflicted by these farmers and landowners.
• Implementing public education programmes on wildlife communication & tactics, focusing on values of co-existence and adopting sustainable practices.
• Creating local community groups to arrest man-animal conflict cases and participate in developing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy.
• Setting up Rapid Response forces to create deterrents and barriers to stop animals from invading human environments and investigating the triggers or factors inducing such conflicts in the region.[RS5] [RS6] 

Kerala:

• Set up a special committee to solve animal-human conflicts at the highest level.
• Implementation of emergency operation centres in 36 forest divisions.
• Utilizing 900 monitors temporarily in the rapid response teams and conflict-affected regions.
• Removal of bushes in the jungle and on 66 plantation lands around Wayanad, supported by the local communities.
• Maintaining 341 water ponds in Wayanad and 249 in Idukki to make water bodies accessible to wild animals.

VI. Conclusion

• Man-animal conflict is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration between government agencies, wildlife organizations, local communities, and legal and judicial stakeholders.  
• By embracing a holistic approach that balances the rights and interests of both humans and animals, India can pave the way for harmonious coexistence, ensuring the preservation of its rich biodiversity while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
• Continuous monitoring, research, and adaptive management strategies are essential to meet the evolving demands of sustainable development and wildlife conservation.

Siddharth Reddy is a third-year law student at the School of Law, UPES. He is currently a Research Intern with TA.