Efforts to reduce rising incidents of man–animal conflict around the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) have moved from planning to execution following firm directions from Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and the initiation of groundwork by the Forest Department. During a recent review meeting held in Nagpur, the Forest Minister instructed officials to implement a focused mitigation plan in the Tadoba landscape, which includes large-scale bamboo plantation along forest land adjoining agricultural fields and the construction of a 500-foot-long protective wall at critical locations.

 

These measures are aimed at preventing crop raids and unsafe encounters between villagers and wild animals. Creating buffers between forests and farms Speaking after discussions with senior officials, Dr Prabhu Nath Shukla, Conservator of Forests and Field Director, TATR, confirmed to ‘The Hitavada’ that the work has now begun. He said a detailed meeting will be convened shortly to formally launch and coordinate the project in accordance with the Forest Minister’s instructions.

 

The bamboo plantation is expected to act as a sustainable and environment-friendly barrier along the forest boundary. Dense bamboo growth discourages herbivores such as deer, nilgai and wild boar from entering farmlands, while also slowing down the movement of larger animals towards human habitations. Officials say this bio-barrier, combined with the proposed wall, will be installed at locations identified as conflict-prone based on past incidents. Man–animal conflict has been a persistent challenge in villages surrounding Tadoba, with repeated crop damage causing economic distress and, at times, leading to confrontations that threaten both human safety and wildlife protection. By physically separating agricultural areas from forest land without disturbing core habitats, the new measures are expected to significantly lower such risks.

 

Apart from conflict mitigation, the Forest Minister has also directed the construction of fully equipped rest houses at every entry gate of Tadoba. These facilities are intended to strengthen field supervision, improve staff deployment and enhance overall management of tourist movement. Officials believe the initiative represents a shift towards preventive conservation, focusing on long-term solutions that promote coexistence between local communities and wildlife while safeguarding one of Maharashtra’s most sensitive tiger landscapes.