MP cabinet approves over Rs 47 cr plan for management of wild elephants

ANI May 13, 2025 273 views

Madhya Pradesh has approved a Rs 47.11 crore plan to manage wild elephants and reduce human-elephant conflict. The four-year initiative includes monitoring systems, habitat development, and rapid response teams. Training programs and solar fencing will help local communities coexist safely with elephants. A dedicated 'Haathi Mitra Dal' will oversee conservation efforts.

"The comprehensive plan focuses on safety, monitoring, and habitat management for wild elephants." – Official Release
Bhopal, May 13: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired a Cabinet meeting held at Mantralaya in Bhopal on Tuesday, and the council of ministers granted in-principle approval to a plan to manage wild elephants and reduce human-elephant conflict, with a total outlay of Rs 47.11 crores.

Key Points

1

Rs 47.11 crore allocated for elephant conservation

2

E-eye surveillance and radio collars for tracking

3

Rapid Response Teams for emergencies

4

Solar fencing and training for locals

According to an official release, the plan spans four financial years--from 2023-24 to 2026-27. Under the plan, Rs 1.52 crore has already been spent on elephant safety and monitoring during the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

As per the decision, a provision of Rs 20 crore is made for the year 2025-26 and Rs 25.59 crore for 2026-27, bringing the total budget for four years to Rs 47.11 crores.

The comprehensive plan focuses on areas within protected zones where elephants are known to move or reside, as well as regions outside such zones. It includes provisions for the safety and monitoring of wild elephants, as well as habitat management and development.

Control rooms will be set up for elephant monitoring, and various infrastructure will be developed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. E-eye surveillance systems will be established and operated. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts for wild animals will also be undertaken.

The plan also includes training programs for local villagers, Forest Department personnel, and officials from other departments to manage human-elephant conflict in affected areas. Different types of fencing -- including solar-powered fencing -- will be installed.

Rapid Response Teams will be formed to handle emergencies, and necessary equipment will be procured. Patrolling vehicles and radio collars will be purchased for monitoring and tracking activities.

Additionally, the cabinet granted permission for the formation of a dedicated 'Haathi Mitra Dal' (Elephant Friend Team), which will play a key role in the implementation of elephant conservation and conflict mitigation efforts.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some concrete action! MP has been facing increasing human-elephant conflicts. The Haathi Mitra Dal is a brilliant initiative - involving locals will create ownership. Hope they implement it properly 🤞
P
Priya M.
47 crores seems like a lot of money. While elephant conservation is important, I hope there's proper auditing. We've seen funds getting wasted in similar projects before. The government should publish quarterly progress reports.
S
Sanjay T.
As someone from Bandhavgarh area, this is much needed! Last year elephants destroyed 5 farms in our village. Solar fencing and rapid response teams will be game-changers. Hope they prioritize our region first.
A
Ananya R.
Good initiative but what about compensation for farmers? Prevention is great, but when crops get destroyed, farmers need immediate help too. The plan should include a fair compensation mechanism.
V
Vikram S.
MP is becoming a model for wildlife conservation in India! First tiger population increases, now this comprehensive elephant plan. Proud of our state's efforts to balance development and ecology 🐘
N
Neha P.
The training programs for villagers is the most important part. Most conflicts happen because people don't know how to react when they encounter elephants. Education can prevent many tragedies.

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Tags:
Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadav elephant conservation human-wildlife conflict Haathi Mitra Dal