Karnataka HC Issues Guidelines To Mitigate Human-Animal Conflict

The Karnataka High Court, while disposing of a petition filed by Karnataka Growers’ Federation, issued guidelines on Tuesday to prevent human-animal conflict and provide support to affected individuals.

The division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice MGS Kamal directed the establishment of grievance cells in every taluk to receive complaints about wild animals encroaching into human habitats.

The court also mandated the creation of elephant corridors for the movement of wild elephants.

The state government was instructed to allocate sufficient resources, including human resources, vehicles, and infrastructure, to the forest department to effectively address human-animal conflict.

The court further ordered the establishment of 24/7 control rooms and the dissemination of bulk warning messages to areas where wildlife threats are observed.

These control rooms should be connected to nearby health centers and hospitals to provide medical assistance to individuals injured in conflicts with wildlife. The High Court emphasized the need for senior officials of the forest department to meet regularly to discuss human-wildlife conflict issues and take appropriate measures.

Additionally, Range Forest Officers and Tehsildars should convene every two months to address these matters. The court also directed the authorities to promote awareness about the grievance cells among the public through public announcements and notices posted on gram panchayat notice boards.