Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Recently, Kerala has declared the man-animal conflict a state-specific disaster, shifting responsibility from the forest department to the state disaster management authority.
- Previously, Uttar Pradesh became the first state in India to declare death through a man-animal conflict a state disaster and the deceased’s family were mandated to give a compensation of Rs 5 lakh by state disaster management authority.
Current management vs. proposed change:
| Aspect | Current Management | Proposed Change |
| Responsibility | Forest Department under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | State disaster management authority under the Disaster Management Act |
| Decision Making Authority | Chief Wildlife Warden | State Disaster Management Authority (Chief Minister at State Level) |
| District Level Authority | District Collector as the executive magistrate | District Collector as a Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority |
| Intervention Capability | Limited by the Wildlife Protection Act | Enhanced powers to take decisive actions under Disaster Management Act 2005 |
| Judicial Oversight | Decisions may be questioned in court under wildlife laws | Limited judicial interference due to provisions of the Disaster Management Act |
| Jurisdiction of Courts | Courts can entertain suits under relevant wildlife laws | Only the Supreme Court or High Court can entertain suits related to actions under Disaster Management Act, 2025 (Section 71) |
Other State-Specific Disasters:
- Odisha and Kerala declared snakebite a state-specific disaster in 2015.
- Kerala declared COVID-19 as a state-specific disaster in 2020.
- Heat waves, sunburn, Sunstroke, Soil piping, Lightning and coastal erosion were declared in state disasters
