The first half of year 2025 has witnessed a sharp rise in man–animal conflict across Nagpur district, with multiple human fatalities, increased wild animal deaths, and intensifying encounters along forest areas. Forest Department is on high alert as expansion of human settlements continue to encroach into wildlife corridors, pushing tigers, leopards, and elephants into closer contact with rural communities.

 

According to data shared by Forest Department, seven people have lost their lives in tiger attacks across Nagpur district this year, so far. Within the Nagpur Forest Division, especially in outer forest areas like Parseoni, Ramtek, Deolapar, and Paoni, nine human deaths were reported over the past year due to tiger encounters. The Forest division is currently home to approximately 15 tigers, mostly sub-adults, residing dangerously close to human habitation. In response, the Forest Department issued three capture orders in 2025. One of the tigers, identified as T-3, was successfully tranquilised and relocated to the Gorewada Rescue Centre on April 17.

 

However, at least two problem tigers, including the notorious T-132 of Parseoni, remain elusive despite rigorous tracking efforts. Tragically, tiger mortality is also on the rise, with 14 tiger deaths recorded in the district over the past 15 months, attributed to territorial fights, road and rail accidents, and human-related incidents. Early 2025 data shows 15 tiger deaths and 32 leopard deaths statewide, indicating a broader conservation crisis. Leopard intrusions have also spiked in Nagpur’s agricultural belts, especially during early morning and evening hours. The Forest Department reports increased leopard activity around villages, causing panic and prompting several cage installations. Adding to the concern, a rare and fatal elephant attack occurred in Sindewahi tehsil, where a 60-year-old farmer was trampled to death in January. While such incidents remain uncommon in Nagpur district, authorities are monitoring elephant movement from adjacent Gadchiroli and Chandrapur regions, where herds have settled more permanently.

 

To curb the growing crisis, the state government has initiated a unique buffer-zone land acquisition scheme. Under this, farmers near forest boundaries are offered Rs 50,000 annually for allowing land to be converted into eco-sensitive zones, with natural bamboo and grass barriers intended to dissuade wildlife intrusion. Additionally, the deployment of AI-powered camera traps and mobile “digital walls” is being scaled up. At present, 25 camera traps are operational, with plans to expand to over 100 across the division to support early warning systems and animal tracking. Forest officials have also raised concerns about capacity at the Gorewada Rescue Centre, which is stretched due to the rising number of rescued animals and recent outbreaks of diseases such as avian flu. The year 2025 thus far paints a worrying picture for human–wildlife coexistence in Nagpur. Experts warn that unless habitat corridors are preserved and buffer zones enforced, both human lives and wildlife populations will continue to suffer. Forest authorities are urging citizens in outer villages to remain vigilant and cooperate with monitoring teams to ensure timely interventions.