Good morning. India’s Supreme Court just declared unwelcome animal encounters a “natural disaster,” proving tiger tantrums and elephant escapades now rival monsoons. Mandating ₹10 lakh for victims’ families, it’s a stark nod to shrinking habitats turning man vs. beast into a survival saga. Conservation meets compensation, but can checks (and fences) balance the wild equation?

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Supreme Court Orders Compensation for Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims

India’s Supreme Court has directed states to classify human-wildlife conflicts as “natural disasters,” enabling financial relief and coordinated responses. The ruling mandates ₹10 lakh ex gratia compensation for families of those killed in such conflicts, aligning payouts with disaster-related death compensations.

Key Directives

• States must categorize human-wildlife clashes as disasters under disaster management laws.
• Compensation of ₹10 lakh applies to fatalities caused by specified species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and wolves.
• Governments are instructed to prioritize habitat protection and fund preventive measures (e.g., barriers, early-warning systems).

Context and Compliance

The order follows petitions highlighting rising conflicts due to shrinking habitats and climate pressures. States must submit compliance reports within six months, detailing compensation disbursement and mitigation strategies. The ruling underscores balancing ecological conservation with human welfare.

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