Supreme Court Warns of Human-Animal Conflict Threatening Forests

• 25 Apr 2024

On 24th April 2024, the Supreme Court highlighted the peril posed by human-animal conflicts to forests and wildlife, stressing the need for a balanced approach.

Key Points

• Striking a Balance: The court emphasized the necessity of balancing the rights of both humans and wildlife to ensure the preservation of forests and biodiversity.
• Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: The case focused on demarcating boundaries and settling rights within Assam's Pobitora sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.
• Government's Initiative: Assam government formed a special committee to address boundary issues, chaired by the Chief Secretary (Forests), aiming to protect both wildlife and human interests.
• Judicial Oversight: Proposals regarding the sanctuary's boundaries will undergo scrutiny by the National Board of Wildlife and the Supreme Court.
• Representation of Wildlife Concerns: The court mandated inclusion of wildlife authorities in the committee to ensure the representation of wildlife interests.
• Balanced Perspective: While respecting environmental concerns, the court stressed the importance of considering human aspects in wildlife conservation efforts.
• Judicial Intervention: In March, the court halted Assam's decision to denotify the sanctuary, emphasizing the need to protect wildlife habitats while addressing human settlements.