Parliament Question: Human-wildlife Conflict in Shirdi

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5759 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 Human-wildlife Conflict in Shirdi 5759. SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has drafted any long-term policy to prevent human-wildlife conflict in Shirdi Lok Sabha Constituency of Maharashtra and other such sensitive areas and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the provisions, such as village-border security, technical surveillance, warning systems and deployment of field staff has been made under the said policy and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to initiate data collection and scientific studies based on the movement of wildlife in such areas; (d) the time by which this policy is likely to be implemented and the manner in which it is likely to be implemented in coordination with the State Governments; and (e) whether the policy is still in its initial stages and if so, the steps being taken by the Government to expedite its implementation, keeping in view the safety of the public? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (e) Incidents of human–wildlife conflict have been reported from various parts of the country, including the State of Maharashtra. The management of wildlife, including mitigation of human–wildlife conflict, is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Further, the important steps taken by the Government to address human-wildlife conflict include the following: i. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended to accord statutory status to management plans of protected areas, mandating consultation with the concerned Gram Sabhas. ii. Section 11(1)(a) of the Act empowers the Chief Wild Life Warden of a State/UT to grant permits for hunting of animals specified in Schedule I, if such animals become dangerous to human life. Section 11(1)(b) of the Act empowers the Chief Wild Life Warden or any authorised officer to grant permits for hunting of wild animals specified in Schedule II, if such animals become dangerous to human life or property. iii. The Ministry has issued an advisory dated 6th February, 2021 on dealing with human–wildlife conflict, and guidelines on 3rd June, 2022 for management of such conflicts, including crop damage. These, inter alia, recommend coordinated inter-departmental action, identification ofconflict hotspots, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, establishment of Rapid Response Teams, and constitution of State and District-level committees for timely disbursement of ex-gratia relief. iv. In addition, species-specific guidelines were issued on 21.03.2023 for mitigation of human–wildlife conflicts involving elephant, gaur, leopard, snake, crocodile, rhesus macaque, wild pig, bear, blue bull and blackbuck, based on a harmonious coexistence approach. Guidelines on cross-cutting issues such as media engagement, occupational health and safety, crowd management, and management of health emergencies have also been issued. A Field Manual for frontline staff on human–elephant conflict management, as well as guidelines on eco-friendly measures to mitigate impacts of linear infrastructure on wildlife, have also been released. v. The Ministry provides financial assistance to States/UTs under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger and Elephant’ for wildlife and habitat management. Supported activities include installation of early warning systems, creation of physical barriers such as barbed wire fencing, solar-powered electric fencing, bio-fencing and boundary walls to prevent entry of wild animals into crop fields, payment of compensation for loss of human life, livestock, crops and property, and deployment of Rapid Response Teams. The Ministry also supports species recovery programmes for 24 identified critically endangered species under the ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ scheme. vi. Advanced technologies such as radio-collaring, digital sensor-based systems and e-surveillance are also being deployed for mitigation of human–wildlife conflict. vii. The Ministry supports States in conducting awareness generation, training and capacity-building programmes. State Forest Departments engage with local communities through awareness campaigns and monitoring mechanisms to minimise conflict and prevent loss of human life, property and wildlife. An initiative has also been taken to establish a Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), WII–South India Centre, Coimbatore. viii. Further, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India have identified 32 major tiger corridors in the country in accordance with Section 38O(1)(g) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and issued guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for tiger and habitat management. Similarly, 150 elephant corridors have been identified in 2023. Regional Action Plans are prepared in coordination with States/UTs for long-term conservation and management of elephants in contiguous landscapes. *****