Formulate a Strategy Within Three Months to Mitigate Tiger Attacks on Gadchiroli Inhabitants: CM Fadnavis
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Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has mandated a swift assessment and action plan to prevent tiger attacks in Gadchiroli, including compensation for victims' families and relocating tigers. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of local residents and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate assessment and action plan required.
- Special compensation for families of tiger attack victims.
- Relocation of surplus tigers within three months.
- Establishment of forest patrols to protect locals.
- Implementation of measures for crop damage compensation.
Nagpur, March 22 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the administration on Saturday to conduct a thorough assessment with expert guidance and to promptly enact a specialized remedial plan aimed at mitigating human fatalities resulting from tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district. This strategy encompasses offering special compensation to the families of individuals who lost their lives in tiger attacks over the last five years, as well as relocating extra tigers.
The Chief Minister, who also serves as the guardian minister for Gadchiroli district, has mandated that a report on this matter be submitted within three months. He expressed grave concern regarding the loss of life among citizens due to tiger attacks.
As the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, he instructed officials to promptly acknowledge the requests of local residents and devise an action plan to tackle this pressing issue. He also directed that a strategy be formulated under the guidance of Pravin Pardeshi, CEO of MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation). In line with this, Pardeshi, who possesses expertise in forestry and wildlife, convened a meeting with senior forest officials in Nagpur to deliberate on potential solutions and instructed them to put these plans into action. The Chief Minister additionally urged the administration to provide special compensation to the families affected by tiger attacks.
“In the past five years, over 50 individuals have lost their lives in tiger attacks within Gadchiroli district. The fatalities have predominantly occurred in the regions of Gadchiroli, Charmoshi, Armori, Vadsa, and Dhanora. After assessing the situation in Gadchiroli, it is essential to relocate surplus tigers within a three-month timeframe. Furthermore, information regarding the individuals who perished in tiger attacks over the last five years should be gathered to ensure special compensation is awarded to their families,” stated the Chief Minister.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister, it was resolved to thin out teak trees in Chaparala and Prahnita Sanctuary in Gadchiroli district while enhancing the grassland area. This initiative aims to increase the population of herbivores, thereby providing food for carnivores. It was also agreed to establish a forest patrol similar to a police patrol in every village to prevent locals from needing to venture into the forest for firewood. Additionally, it was decided to cultivate grass in villagers' fields for use in compressed biogas (CBG), with plans for setting up a CBG plant in the area.
Moreover, measures were proposed such as conducting e-panchnama to expedite compensation for crops lost to wildlife, evaluating the social and economic conditions of residents for the relocation of six villages in the Chaparral Sanctuary due to the rising tiger population, and identifying new rehabilitation sites. Experts from organizations like the Wildlife Institute, engaged in addressing this issue, will be recruited to create an action plan. A mitigation strategy for endangered and sensitive areas was also a topic of discussion.
“It has been observed that tigers involved in human-wildlife conflicts are typically older. Strategic decisions are needed concerning the migration of such tigers,” the statement concluded.
