SC bans tiger safaris in core areas; human-wildlife deaths now ‘natural calamity’, ₹10 lakh aid
Raipur
In a historic order passed on 17 November 2025, a three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has set a new course for forest management, Tiger Reserve operations, and support for families affected by human-wildlife conflict across the country. Wildlife enthusiast Nitin Singhavi of Raipur has written to the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Climate Change) urging immediate implementation of the directives.
Strict curbs on tiger safaris
The Supreme Court has clearly ordered that tiger safaris cannot operate in core areas and Critical Tiger Habitats. Safaris may be established only in buffer zones, and that too only on non-forest land or degraded/uncultivated forest land that is not part of any tiger corridor.
This is viewed as an important step to balance tourism and conservation and ensure the safe movement of tigers.
Human-wildlife conflict declared ‘natural calamity’
The Supreme Court has directed all states to declare human-wildlife conflict as a ‘natural calamity’ and to mandatorily provide ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for every human death.
This comes as major relief, especially for elephant-affected regions.
Tough directives for Tiger Reserve management
- All states must prepare a Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) within six months.
- Authorities must immediately fill vacant posts at all levels within Tiger Reserves, as vacancies are the biggest hurdle in scientific conservation.
- States must create a separate cadre for veterinary doctors and wildlife biologists, ensuring that field teams receive expert scientific support.
Insurance and security for frontline staff
The order mandates:
- Compulsory insurance cover for any forest worker or daily wager who dies or suffers total disability while on duty.
- Mandatory coverage of all field staff under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Demand for crop damage aid at MSP intensifies
The Supreme Court stated that states must have an easy and inclusive compensation policy for:
- Crop damage
- Human deaths
- Animal deaths
Wildlife enthusiasts and NGOs in Chhattisgarh have long demanded that crop damage compensation be given at Minimum Support Price (MSP) instead of just cost of production.
Currently, compensation for paddy loss is only ₹9,000 per acre, while farmers normally earn ₹65,000 per acre.
Due to this huge gap, farmers are forced to visit their fields at night to save crops from elephants, often resulting in fatal encounters.
Singhavi wrote that if compensation is given at MSP, farmers will not risk their lives, the government’s financial burden will reduce, and many precious lives can be saved.
