Parliament Question: Wild Animal Attacks on Tribals

**Executive Summary** This document answers Unstarred Question No. 273, addressed to the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on February 2, 2026, regarding wild animal attacks on tribal communities, particularly in the Navamalai hamlet of Tamil Nadu. It outlines the government's awareness and response to such incidents, the responsibilities of the State Government, and the financial assistance provided. The document indicates that the increase in human wildlife conflict in Navamalai hamlet was not observed. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Responsibility for Wildlife Management:** * The management of wildlife and mitigation of human-animal conflicts is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. * The State Government/Union Territory Administration is the first responder in Human Wildlife Conflict situations. * **Navamalai Hamlet Situation:** * Navamalai hamlet is an enclave located in the core zone, Pollachi Range of Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi Division. * The hamlet has 33 households from the Malasar Tribal community occupying the revenue Poromboke land. * The area is surrounded by a reserve forest on three sides and Aliyar dam water on another side. * There has been regular wildlife movement throughout the year across the Navamalai, but the increase in human wildlife conflict in Navamalai hamlet was not observed. * **Rehabilitation and Resettlement:** * Rehabilitation and Resettlement of affected communities is done by the State Governments. * Village relocation from core/ critical tiger habitat of tiger reserve is a voluntary process as per Section 38 V (5) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. * The Ministry provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations under Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats' 'Project Tiger and Elephant'. * **Supported Activities:** * Activities supported include habitat management, eco-development, voluntary village relocation, procurement of early warning systems, construction and erection of physical barriers (barbed wire fence, solar, powered electric fence, bio-fencing, boundary walls). * Compensation for depredation by wild animals (cattle lifting, crop damage, loss of life and property) is also supported. **Impact Analysis** **State Government/Union Territory Administration** * **Impact:** Responsible for managing wildlife, mitigating human-animal conflicts, and being the first responder in such situations. Responsible for rehabilitation and resettlement. * **Action Required:** Implement measures to ensure the safety of tribal communities and their habitat, utilize financial assistance effectively. **Tribal Communities (Specifically the Malasar Tribal community in Navamalai Hamlet)** * **Impact:** Subject to potential dangers from wild animal intrusions; entitled to safety measures, habitat protection, and access to essential services. Entitled to compensation for depredation by wild animals. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with government efforts regarding relocation and utilize available resources for preventing and mitigating damages caused by wild animals.

Key Entities Referenced