Karnataka sees 77 human-wildlife conflicts daily

BENGALURU: Karnataka, home to a large population of tigers and elephants, records an average of 28,000 man-animal conflict cases every year - about 77 a day - according to a report.

'The need for Karnataka's human-wildlife conflict compensation law', prepared by Bengaluru-based Centre for Wildlife Studies and Vidhi Centre For Legal Policy, Karnataka, studied human deaths, crop raids and property loss, among others.
The researchers highlight the need to create a comprehensive and overarching legal framework for compensation in such cases. The report points out that although Karnataka has recorded some of the highest compensation (ex-gratia) payments for human-wildlife conflict incidents, it lacks comprehensive legislation and operates through the promulgation of government orders.
"The present system is an ad-hoc one. There's a lack of certainty of process, entitlements and authorities to approach. Also, the system places excessive discretion in the hands of assessing officers," the report said. The researchers say a compensation law would remove discretion and ensure a streamlined, unambiguous process to claim compensation for those affected by conflicts.
Alok Prasanna from Vidhi said man-animal conflict has been addressed in an unsatisfactory manner. "A law, we believe, will allow for claims to be made pragmatically and satisfy the victims as soon as possible. At the same time, we believe the law is not the end point, but the beginning of addressing the larger issue of ensuring a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife around forests," Prasanna added.