Innovative Measures by Maharashtra to Prevent Human-Animal Conflict

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik outlined new initiatives to prevent carnivores like leopards and tigers from entering urban areas by ensuring they have an adequate prey base in their natural habitats. He also discussed plans to address forest fires, boost infrastructure with significant funding, and develop tourism through safaris.

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced strategic plans to prevent human-animal conflict. Key measures include ensuring a sufficient number of prey animals for leopards and tigers in their natural territories to keep the predators from encroaching into urban landscapes.

In addition to wildlife management, Naik addressed forest fire prevention, introducing rapid-response helicopters stationed across state's divisions. Infrastructure development is also prioritized, with potential funding sourced from a Rs 6,000 crore loan against Forest Development Corporation assets, expecting total availability of Rs 15,000 crore within 18 months.

Naik highlighted tourism prospects by proposing tiger and leopard safaris, while also covering infrastructure projects like the Kalu dam and Navi Mumbai Airport's next phase. Additionally, the Vadhvan Port project is set to boost employment significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)