Maharashtra Approves Action Plan to Prevent Human Wildlife Conflict Forest Minister Ganesh Naik approved a Rs260 crore action plan on Tuesday to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the state. The initiative, announced during a meeting of the State Wildlife Board’s standing committee chaired by Naik at Mantralaya, includes the deployment of AI-based alert systems in 1,000 villages near forest areas and the establishment of 10 control rooms to monitor wildlife movement and coordinate emergency responses. The measures are set to be implemented immediately to address incidents of attacks on humans and damage to crops. The plan emphasizes the creation of 10 control rooms modeled after police control centers, equipped with advanced digital systems to track forest department vehicles, resources, and patrol teams. These rooms will serve as hubs for real-time monitoring and rapid response during conflicts. Naik highlighted that in the event of a conflict, the control rooms will alert officials and initiate immediate action. AI-based alert systems, which have been tested in select villages, will now be expanded to 1,000 villages adjacent to forest areas. These systems will provide residents with real-time updates on wildlife movement, enabling them to take preventive measures. Additionally, two rescue centers will be established for animals captured during conflicts, while 10 transit treatment centers will be set up to care for injured wildlife. To enhance rescue operations, rapid rescue teams will be formed at 20 locations, and 2,000 primary response teams comprising villagers will be established in forest-fringe communities to assist the forest department.#maharashtra #mantralaya #ganesh_naik #state_wildlife_board #principal_chief_conservation_forests
Chimur rescue camp for Tadoba project under examination; man-animal conflict deaths and crop damage flagged The Maharashtra government is evaluating the feasibility of establishing a dedicated wildlife rescue camp at Chimur in Chandrapur district to address growing human-wildlife conflict in the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve region. This proposal was discussed during a meeting of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, where Forest Minister Ganesh Naik confirmed that the plan stems from repeated demands highlighting the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict, which have led to fatalities, injuries, and damage to crops. Naik described the demand as "genuine" and noted that technical and regulatory aspects are being reviewed before a final decision is made. Chimur MLA Bunty Bhangdiya raised concerns during the discussion, pointing out that the nearest rescue facility is located in Nagpur, approximately 110 to 150 kilometers away from vulnerable areas such as Chimur, Bramhapuri, Ghodazari, and Karandla. He argued that the distance compromises the ability to provide timely emergency response, urging the government to set up a transit rescue center at Chimur equipped for immediate first aid and primary treatment. Naik acknowledged that injured individuals from the Chimur forest range are currently treated at the Sub-District Hospital in Chimur and referred to Chandrapur or Nagpur for advanced medical care when necessary. The minister emphasized that the proposal aims to enhance preparedness and reduce the risks associated with human-wildlife interactions in the region. The initiative reflects broader efforts to mitigate the impact of wildlife on local communities while ensuring the protection of endangered species.#maharashtra_government #ganesh_naik #chimur_MLA_bunty_bhangdiya #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #chimur_forest_range
Tiger Projects for Every District in Vidarbha: Naik Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik announced an ambitious wildlife management plan during the state assembly budget session, emphasizing region-specific conservation strategies. The minister highlighted the need for tiger-focused projects in every district of Vidarbha, stating that these initiatives would be confined to forest areas and not interfere with human settlements. His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Congress MLA Nana Patole about rising human-wildlife conflict. Naik stressed that the government aims to expand conservation infrastructure aligned with the biodiversity patterns of each region. He noted that Chandrapur forest circle, which spans nearly 2,751 square kilometers, has seen a significant increase in tiger numbers—from around 100 five to seven years ago to nearly 450 today. While this growth reflects successful conservation efforts, it has also led to more frequent encounters between humans and wildlife. To address this, the forest department is deploying satellite surveillance and artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to track animal movements and mitigate risks. The minister also mentioned joint forest management initiatives, where local communities collaborate with officials to reduce conflicts and improve response mechanisms. These programs aim to create a more sustainable balance between wildlife preservation and human safety. Additionally, the government is developing rescue and treatment facilities for injured wildlife and working on a long-term, structured plan for the next 45 months of its current tenure. A detailed project report outlining these efforts will be shared with legislators.#ganesh_naik #maharashtra_forest_minister #chandrapur_forest_circle #nana_patole #congress_mla
