Mohammad Suleman Baig :
Maharashtra Chief Minister and district guardian minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Forest Department to devise an urgent action plan to mitigate human-tiger conflict in Gadchiroli district. He emphasized that a study should be conducted under expert guidance and a concrete plan should be presented within three months. Additionally, he instructed that families of citizens who lost their lives in tiger attacks over the past five years be given special compensation and that the relocation of surplus tigers be expedited.
Rising Tiger Attacks a Matter of Concern
During a recent meeting with senior forest officials in Nagpur, CM Fadnavis pointed out that over 50 people have lost their lives in tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district over the past five years. The most affected areas include Gadchiroli, Chamorshi, Armori, Wadsa, and Dhanora. He directed the Forest Department to analyze this critical situation and take necessary measures to address it.
Focus on Conservation and Rehabilitation
The meeting also discussed plans to thin out teak trees and develop grasslands in the forests of Chaprala and Pranhita Sanctuaries. This initiative aims to increase the population of herbivores, ensuring natural prey availability for carnivores and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Additionally, several other decisions were taken, including:
- Appointing a “Van Patil” (Forest Representative) in each village to strengthen conservation efforts.
- Establishing CBG (Compressed Biogas) plants to promote sustainable practices.
- Planning the rehabilitation of six villages in the Chaprala Sanctuary to accommodate the growing tiger population.
- Implementing an e-Panchanama process to document and compensate for crop damage caused by wildlife.
Presence of Senior Forest Officials
This crucial meeting was attended by senior officials, including:
- Shomita Biswas, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Maharashtra.
- Vivek Khandekar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
- Dr. Ramchandra Ramgawkar, Chief Conservator of Forests & Field Director, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
- M. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Gadchiroli Circle.
Several other senior forest officials were also present.
This initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing tiger-human conflicts and ensuring coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
