Why in the News?

The installation works for the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)- based smart fence project, called ‘Ele-fence’, is underway in Wayanad to mitigate the accelerating human-wildlife conflict in the region.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Human-Animal Conflict (Meaning, Statistics, Reasons, Legal Provisions, etc.)
• News Summary

About Human-Animal Conflict:

• Human-wildlife conflict refers to the unfriendly situation between people and animals, resulting in undesirable effects not only for animals but also for humans.
• For example, crop loss, livestock predation, injury, or death, as well as the killing of wildlife, can be some of the aftermath.
• Such conflicts occur when human activities expand into the habitat of animals and the human population increases and starts to come into contact with wildlife in these dominated areas.
• The man-animal conflict has profound consequences not only on the immediate wildlife but also on the entire ecosystem and socio-economic systems of the affected areas.
• In addition, farmers who have experienced livestock predation lose an opportunity to feed their families. Rural and agricultural communities struggle to stay in business due to crop depredation.

High Rates of Human-Animal Conflict in India:

• Several Indian states have reported a significant surge in man-animal conflicts:
• Uttarakhand:
  • In 2022, the state reported 700 incidents of man-animal conflict.
  • At the beginning of 2024, three fatalities and 15 injuries prompted a high alert in the region.
• Himachal Pradesh:
  • The state has experienced a notable rise in such conflicts, with 34 deaths caused by leopard attacks.
  • Additionally, 367 injuries were reported, including 99 grievous injuries.
• Karnataka:
  • The state is currently facing an intense social movement addressing man-animal conflict.
  • In 2022, 92 human fatalities and 126 animal deaths were recorded by the forest department.
  • The proximity of urban areas to national parks and reserves, along with rapid urbanization, exacerbates the issue.
• Kerala:
  • In 2022, the state witnessed 58 human deaths and 117 animal deaths due to conflicts.
  • Factors such as growing urbanization, shrinking animal habitats, overcrowding, and climate change are worsening the situation.

Factors Contributing to Rise in Human-Animal Conflict:

• Rapid industrialization and urban development have fragmented and destroyed animal habitats, forcing wildlife into human settlements in search of food, water, and shelter.
  • Expanding human activities increasingly encroach upon natural habitats, heightening the likelihood of conflict.
• This delicate balance between humans and animals has been further disrupted by climate change and environmental degradation, intensifying these conflicts.
  • Negative interactions are exacerbated by changing weather patterns, depletion of natural resources, and altered animal migration routes.
• Ineffective enforcement of wildlife conservation and habitat preservation laws contributes significantly to the rising number of man-animal conflicts across the country.
  • Weak law enforcement, insufficient funding, and poor collaboration among stakeholders hinder effective conflict management.
• Moreover, the growing human population and the corresponding demand for land and resources put additional pressure on wildlife habitats, leading to more frequent encounters between humans and animals.

Legal Provisions w.r.t. Human-Animal Conflict:

• Our Constitution strengthens the bond between every citizen and nature, embedding this relationship as a fundamental duty under Article 51A(g).
• This principle was reinforced in the Supreme Court cases Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors. (2014) and State of Gujarat v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat (2005).
  • In these cases, the Court recognized that animals deserve rights similar to those of humans, emphasizing their welfare and granting them legal status or "persona."
• The 2006 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 indirectly addressed wildlife corridors, which facilitate the safe movement of tigers and other wild animals.
  • However, implementing these corridors has faced numerous challenges, including delays in notification, inadequate policies and legal frameworks, insufficient funding, and lack of cooperation among government agencies.

Conclusion:

• Man-animal conflict is a complex issue that necessitates a comprehensive approach, involving collaboration among government agencies, wildlife organizations, local communities, and legal and judicial stakeholders.
• By adopting a holistic strategy that balances the rights and interests of both humans and animals, India can foster harmonious coexistence, preserving its rich biodiversity while ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
• Ongoing monitoring, research, and adaptive management strategies are crucial to addressing the evolving challenges of sustainable development and wildlife conservation.

Ele-fence in Wayanad:

• The first AI-based smart fence project, named 'Ele-fence,' is being set up in Wayanad to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• This pilot project, led by White Elephant Technologies and supported by the Kerala Forest Department, is located in the Chethalth forest range of south Wayanad.
• The Ele-fence spans 70 meters and combines real-time monitoring with preventive and protective features. It is designed after studying elephant behaviour in conflict situations.
• The fence includes six-inch-wide steel girders that are 17 feet high and reinforced underground for strength.
• The AI-based system uses logical trip wires, 4K cameras, and sound and alarm lights to detect and deter elephants. It also alerts pedestrians and motorists about nearby elephants.
• The lasher belt technology prevents elephants from breaking through the fence. When elephants approach within 50-60 meters, cameras capture live visuals and trigger alarms, warning local residents and notifying forest officials and Rapid Response Teams in real time.
• Previous methods like trenches, walls, and solar fencing were not fully effective, so this project aims to provide a better solution and could be expanded across the state if successful.