In a bid to address human-wildlife conflicts, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik revealed plans in the Legislative Assembly to offer permanent government jobs to the families of individuals killed in wild animal attacks. The proposal awaits approval from the state cabinet before implementation. Additionally, the state aims to establish rabbit farms similar to poultry farms to ensure carnivores have ample prey within forest boundaries and prevent them from encroaching on human settlements.
To combat the increasing incidents of wildlife attacks, particularly highlighted by a recent tragedy in Chandrapur district where four women were killed by a tiger, the government has identified 10 highly sensitive districts. With 55 reported fatalities across the state, an action plan worth Rs 260 crore has been sanctioned. Concerns were raised by lawmakers regarding the escalating human-wildlife conflicts, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to address the situation.
Acknowledging the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by wildlife conflicts, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar emphasized the need for relocating surplus tigers and ensuring predator densities align with forest capacities. In response, Forest Minister Naik outlined plans for a new forest zone in Nashik and the establishment of additional sanctuaries to redistribute around 450 tigers over the next 42 months. The government also aims to create bio-fences using bamboo plantations to prevent wildlife from entering human habitats.
To expedite compensation processes for affected families, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar highlighted bureaucratic delays and proposed a Negative Authorisation system. Minister Naik agreed to this suggestion, ensuring that emergency relief funds will be directly accessible at the District Collector’s level to facilitate timely compensation for victims’ families.
