Funding Approved by Environment Ministry to Tackle Human-Tiger Conflicts Beyond Tiger Reserves

The Indian government’s recent initiative aims to tackle conflicts between humans and tigers. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has greenlighted a pilot project called the “Tigers Outside of Tiger Reserves” scheme. This effort is designed to improve monitoring and protection of tigers in regions where they often clash with human activities.

Eighty forest divisions across ten states have been identified for this project. These areas have experienced repeated conflicts, where tigers prey on livestock, leading to tensions with local communities. Under the new scheme, funding will support better management of these wildlife interactions. It includes technical improvements for monitoring tigers, expert input from veterinarians, and partnerships with local organizations.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), about 30% of India’s tigers live outside officially protected reserves. Recent data indicates that between 2020 and 2024, 382 people lost their lives due to tiger-related conflicts, with 111 fatalities occurring in 2022 alone. These statistics highlight a pressing issue; areas like Chandrapur in Maharashtra and sugarcane fields in Uttar Pradesh have been reported hotspots for such encounters.

The deployment will be managed by the Chief Wildlife Wardens of state forest departments, closely collaborating with the NTCA. A government official mentioned that the NTCA is currently finalizing the list of areas for the initial rollout.

At the India Conservation Conference held in Dehradun, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that the human-animal conflict is a significant problem. He noted similar challenges in renowned wildlife areas like Dudhwa and Kabini.

This scheme reflects the government’s commitment to address wildlife conservation while prioritizing human safety. By enhancing monitoring and involving local communities, the initiative aims to create a safer and more harmonious coexistence between people and tigers.

For further context, it’s worth noting that the history of wildlife conservation in India has often swung between protection and conflict management. For example, Project Tiger, launched in 1973, aimed to curb the decline of tiger populations in dedicated reserves but didn’t account for those outside. This new initiative could be seen as a necessary evolution in conservation strategy, recognizing that effective management requires a broader approach.

For more information on wildlife protection initiatives in India, you can visit the official National Tiger Conservation Authority site.

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