Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced on Wednesday that the state’s tiger population has seen a remarkable rise, increasing from 101 in the year 2000 to 444 in 2024. Addressing the state assembly, he also stated that the government has sanctioned a substantial fund of Rs 200 crore to install solar fencing in villages located near tiger habitats to mitigate human- wildlife conflict.
The statement came in response to a discussion in the state assembly regarding the growing incidents of man- animal conflicts, particularly in a wildlife sanctuary in the Bhandara district. The issue has raised serious concerns among the local population, who have reported increased tiger activity in the region.
Naik informed the House that two people had lost their lives due to tiger attacks in the area this year alone. Expressing his commitment to addressing the issue, the minister assured legislators that he would actively pursue the demand for fencing around villages situated close to forested areas and along known tiger corridors.
“Over the years, our conservation efforts have borne fruit, leading to a significant increase in Maharashtra’s tiger population. Today, we have 444 tigers compared to just 101 in 2000. However, this also means that we must take additional measures to ensure the safety of people living near wildlife zones,” Naik emphasized in his address.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar raised concerns over the mounting anxiety and frustration among residents due to repeated tiger attacks. He pointed out that farmers in these areas were particularly vulnerable, as not only do the big cats pose a direct threat to human lives, but they also cause damage to crops, further worsening the situation for the agricultural community.
Legislators from various political parties echoed similar concerns, highlighting the growing incidents of human- wildlife encounters and urging the government to take immediate action to protect both people and wildlife. Many members stressed the need for a long-term strategy to manage the coexistence of humans and tigers in affected regions.
In response to the rising concerns, Speaker Rahul Narwekar agreed to convene a dedicated meeting to discuss the issue in detail. The meeting is expected to bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, forest department representatives, and local leaders, to formulate concrete solutions for addressing the increasing human- wildlife conflict in Maharashtra.
The government’s allocation of Rs 200 crore for solar fencing is seen as a proactive step toward reducing such conflicts by creating a clear boundary between human settlements and tiger habitats. Conservationists have welcomed the move, stating that proper implementation of the project could help protect both wildlife and local communities.
The discussion in the assembly underlined the urgency of the situation, with legislators pushing for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of people living in tiger-prone areas. The proposed measures, including solar fencing, stricter monitoring of tiger movement, and better compensation policies for affected farmers, are expected to be discussed further in the upcoming meetings.
