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Maharashtra Plans Bamboo Walls, Relocation to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict

The Maharashtra government has affirmed its commitment to implementing long-term measures to resolve human-wildlife conflict, including alternative farming and rehabilitation options. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik assured the Legislative Council that no new restrictions would be imposed on farmers in project areas, with limits applying only to new constructions. Specific steps include erecting a large bamboo wall in the Tadoba region and a plan for the voluntary relocation of villages with government support. Separately, the Horticulture Minister committed budget provisions to complete the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research Centre in Hingoli.

Key Points: Maharashtra Govt Measures for Human-Wildlife Conflict

  • No buffer zone expansion for Navegaon-Nagzira
  • 500-foot bamboo wall in Tadoba region
  • Voluntary village relocation support
  • Rs 6,000 crore loan plan for forest assets
  • Turmeric research centre funding assured
3 min read

Maha govt to implement measures to resolve human-wildlife conflict

Maharashtra announces long-term steps like bamboo barriers, voluntary relocation, and farming assurances to resolve human-wildlife conflict near tiger reserves.

"farmers will face no limits on farming activities, digging wells, or using existing roads - Forest Minister Ganesh Naik"

Mumbai, Feb 27

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Friday affirmed in the Legislative Council that the government intends to implement long-term measures, including alternative farming and rehabilitation, alongside efforts to resolve human-wildlife conflict.

Responding to questions raised by MLC Parinay Phuke regarding the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, the Minister stated that there is no proposal under government consideration to increase the buffer zone of the reserve.

Minister Naik mentioned that on September 7, 2016, the government issued a notification to merge the Gondia Territorial, Gondia MTCM, and Bhandara MTCM (Wildlife) divisions, placing them under the control of a single senior officer.

This decision followed directives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued on February 15, 2012, to bring tiger projects under unified control.

He informed the House that this was approved during the 23rd meeting of the State Wildlife Board on August 12, 2024.

Assuring that no additional restrictions would be imposed on farmers due to the tiger project, Minister Naik stated that farmers will face no limits on farming activities, digging wells, or using existing roads, restrictions will only apply to new constructions within the legal framework, no new villages have been included in the buffer zone, and there will be no adverse impact on local employment.

The Minister further noted that a revised proposal regarding the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve will soon be sent to the Central Government. Nodal officers will be appointed for this purpose.

Highlighting various steps to prevent human-wildlife conflict, Minister Naik mentioned the decision to erect a 500-foot-wide bamboo wall in the Tadoba region.

Additionally, a plan is being implemented to release captured monkeys into project areas and ensure their food supply.

He added that if villages wish to relocate voluntarily, the government is ready to provide necessary land and financial assistance.

Minister Naik also informed the House that teak plantations by the Forest Development Corporation (FDCM) are currently valued at approximately Rs 12,000 crore. Based on this asset, a proposal is being prepared to secure a loan of about Rs 6,000 crore.

A proposal to utilise these funds for forest department roads, tourism development, offices, rest houses, and employee salaries and facilities will soon be presented to the Cabinet.

During the Question Hour, MLCs Pravin Darekar and Satej alias Bunty Patil also raised sub-questions.

Meanwhile, Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogawale assured the Legislative Council that necessary provisions will be made in the budget to expedite the completion of the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric (Haridra) Research Centre project in Hingoli district.

Responding to a question by MLC Hemant Patil, Minister Gogawale said that since this project is directly related to farming families and bears the name of the respected Balasaheb Thackeray, the government is committed to providing high-quality standards and facilities.

Minister Gogawale stated that Rs 100 crore was previously sanctioned for this project, of which Rs 87 crore has already been spent. Approval has been granted for the remaining funds required, and a provision will be made in the budget.

He further added that the project will be completed by providing funds in phases as required.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see the government thinking long-term with alternative farming and rehabilitation. But releasing captured monkeys into project areas? That sounds like shifting the problem from one place to another. What about their impact on the existing ecosystem there?
R
Rahul R
The financial part is confusing. Taking a ₹6000 crore loan against teak plantations valued at ₹12000 crore? Hope this doesn't become another debt trap for the forest department. The funds should be strictly for conservation and compensating affected villagers, not just salaries and tourism.
M
Meera T
As someone from a village near a forest in Maharashtra, I appreciate the voluntary relocation offer with land and aid. Many families live in constant fear. Implementation is key – promises have been made before. Hope this time it's different.
D
David E
Interesting to see the integrated approach. Merging divisions under one officer should improve coordination. The focus seems balanced between protecting wildlife and supporting local livelihoods. The turmeric research centre is a good parallel initiative for farmers.
A
Anjali F
They talk about a 500-foot bamboo wall, but what about solar-powered fences or early warning systems using technology? We need modern solutions alongside traditional ones. Also, appointing nodal officers is good, but they must be accountable to the public.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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