Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken urgent action to address the increasing number of tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district, which have claimed over 50 lives in the last five years. Fadnavis has directed authorities to study the problem in detail, involve wildlife experts, and implement a special remedial plan to protect human lives.
Key Highlights:
Fadnavis, who is also the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, held a high-level meeting and instructed officials to:
- Take immediate steps to protect residents.
- Prepare a detailed plan under the guidance of Pravin Pardeshi, CEO of Mitra Sanstha.
- Submit a comprehensive report within three months.
Following these directives, Pravin Pardeshi met with senior forest officials in Nagpur to discuss the mitigation strategies.
Relocation of Tigers and Compensation Measures
One of the core decisions is to relocate additional tigers from high-conflict zones in Gadchiroli. The relocation process is to be completed within three months.
In addition, Fadnavis has ordered that families of individuals killed in tiger attacks over the past five years receive special compensation, and officials must collect and verify all related data.
Forest Management and Safety Initiatives
To reduce human-animal conflict, the following forest and community-based measures were approved:
- Thinning teak plantations in Chaparala and Pranhita Sanctuaries to boost pasture growth and attract more herbivores, providing prey for tigers.
- Appointing a ‘Forest Patil’, similar to a village-level forest watch officer.
- Promoting grass cultivation in village fields to support compressed biogas (CBG) production, reducing the need for villagers to enter forests for firewood.
- Setting up a CBG plant to support this initiative.
Village Relocation and Wildlife Management
The plan also includes:
- A socio-economic assessment for the relocation of six villages in the Chaparala Sanctuary where the tiger population has increased.
- Identifying and developing new rehabilitation sites for affected villagers.
- Using technology to speed up compensation processes for crop damage caused by wild animals.
- Developing a long-term mitigation plan for vulnerable areas.
Involvement of Wildlife Experts
Experts from institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India, known for work in human-wildlife conflict, will be involved in preparing a scientific and effective approach. Special attention will be given to older tigers, which are often linked to conflicts, to ensure targeted and strategic relocation.
High-Level Meeting Attendees
The meeting included key officials:
- Shomita Biswas – Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
- Vivek Khandekar – Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
- Dr. Ramchandra Ramgaonkar – Area Director, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- S. Rameshkumar – Chief Conservator of Forests, Gadchiroli
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a firm and proactive stance on the alarming rise in tiger attacks in Gadchiroli. With expert involvement, community initiatives, and fast-tracked plans, the state aims to balance wildlife conservation with the safety of its people. The next three months will be crucial in assessing and executing this critical plan.
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