The Nagpur forest division initiated meadow development project in Nagpur district, to give fillip to the population of herbivores and reduce the man-animal conflict in the region. In recent time, increasing man-animal conflict in Nagpur district has turned into a big challenge for the administration. The conflicts are increasing day by day in the region due to lack of herbivores in tiger reserves. The big cats are increasing their proximity to the human settlements due to the availability of prey base.

 

“Grassland plays a major role in boosting herbivores in forest area. The tiger reserves in Nagpur district have poor spread of grassland due to which the population of herbivores is less here,” Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Nagpur told ‘The Hitavada’. “Development of nursery of palatable weeds in different forest areas, training of field staff and plantation of palatable weeds will be implemented under this project. We have initiated the project in Katol and Ramtek sub-divisions as both places are reporting the highest man-animal conflict cases in recent time,” said Dr Vyas. “Katol sub-division is a dry region, whereas Ramtek is completely different. The species of grass that grow in these areas are also different. After implementing the project in these two regions, it will be carried out in Nagpur and Umred sub-divisions in the second phase,” claimed the DCF.

 

“We are seeking the expertise of Dr G D Muratkar, a grassland expert, who worked for development of grassland in Kuno National Park for Project Cheetah, for development of grassland in Nagpur division too,” she added. “Dr Muratkar is training our ground-staff on identification of different palatable weeds, identification of invasive grass, process of removing invasive grass like Lantana camara, and developing nursery of palatable grass,” said the senior Forest officer. Dr Vyas informed that, the Forest Department has identified six to eight forest patches in core area for development of the meadows. Intensive staff training is also underway.

 

She also informed that the grassland development will be carried out by the Van Majoors who are already working under the Forest Department. The Nagpur division has funds to initiate the project initially and later on, they will get financial largesse from the State Government, said Dr Vyas. Mainly, the grasslands will be developed near the water holes for better accessibility of food and water both, for big cats. The grassland development will also help in promoting eco-tourism in forest areas.