Why in News :
The Union Environment Ministry has approved funding for a pilot scheme (Rs. 88 crore till 2026–27) to address rising human-tiger conflict in areas outside tiger reserves.
Around 30% of India’s tiger population now lives outside Protected Areas (PAs), escalating risks to both humans and wildlife.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- Enhanced Monitoring: Use of modern tech (e.g., camera traps, drones, GIS).
- Capacity Building: Training forest staff to handle conflict situations effectively.
- Collaboration: Engaging NGOs, civil society, and veterinarians.
- Conflict Reduction: Augment prey base to reduce livestock attacks.
Geographical Scope
80 forest divisions across 10 states identified based on:
- Conflict intensity.
- Tiger presence outside core areas.
Notable hotspots:
- Chandrapur (Maharashtra), Dudhwa (UP), Ranthambore fringes (Rajasthan), Wayanad (Kerala).
Implementation Mechanism
- Chief Wildlife Wardens (States) + National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will oversee ground-level operations.
- Financially supported by National CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
Rising Conflict Statistics (2020–24)
- 382 human deaths from tiger attacks.
- 111 deaths in 2022 alone, signalling urgent need for targeted conflict mitigation strategies.
Underlying Causes
- Tigers pushed into human-dominated landscapes due to territorial behavior and population rise.
- Lack of prey in fringe forests → attacks on livestock.
- No buffer management mechanisms in non-reserve areas.
Institutional and Policy Framework
- Funded via Compensatory Afforestation Fund (used earlier for Project Cheetah, GIB recovery).
- Supported by discussions in National Board for Wildlife (chaired by PM).
- Aligns with India’s larger Wildlife Protection Strategy 2030 and Biodiversity targets.
Broader Significance :
- Conservation : Helps integrate tigers outside reserves into India’s conservation matrix.
- Sustainability : Efficient use of afforestation funds for biodiversity goals.
- Coexistence Model : Encourages a region-specific, participatory conflict management approach.
- Technological Integration : Enables proactive rather than reactive responses to conflict.
| GS Mains Practice Question Q. Human-wildlife conflict is emerging as a major conservation and governance challenge in India. Critically analyse the new pilot scheme launched by the Environment Ministry to manage human-tiger conflict outside reserves. |