Bhupender Yadav Leads Dialogue on Human-Wildlife Conflict at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

In a significant step toward addressing one of India’s growing conservation and community challenges, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired an Interactive Workshop on the Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict at the picturesque Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.

The high-level workshop was attended by Members of Parliament, State Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials from both the Government of India and the Uttar Pradesh State Government. The event served as a dynamic platform to evaluate the current situation, share best practices, and discuss innovative solutions to the persistent issue of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in India, particularly in biodiversity-rich states like Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the Human-Wildlife Interface Crisis

Human-wildlife conflict has emerged as a pressing concern in India due to habitat encroachment, increased human activity near forests, and climate-related disruptions. During the workshop, stakeholders discussed:

• Frequent conflict zones in Uttar Pradesh

• Loss of lives and livelihoods

• Crop depredation and property damage

• Escalating pressure on wildlife corridors

Shri Yadav reiterated that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi focuses on finding “amicable, technology-driven solutions” to these challenges. As part of this strategy, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has initiated the process for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, to be hosted jointly at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).

Advanced Tech and Policy Backing for Conflict Mitigation

The workshop highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI), camera traps, GIS mapping, and real-time tracking tools in preventing conflict incidents. MoEFCC officials detailed current advisories, guidelines, and financial assistance available to states under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), emphasizing the importance of collaborative federal governance.

A key highlight came from the Uttar Pradesh Government’s bold decision to declare human-wildlife conflict a 'disaster' under the State Disaster Management Act, enabling faster compensation, better coordination, and targeted mitigation.

Suggestions from the participants are expected to inform future policy refinements and localized strategies, including compensation reforms, habitat restoration, and community preparedness programs.

Engagement with the Tharu Community: Tradition Meets Sustainability

Following the workshop, Shri Yadav visited Village Balera to interact with the Tharu tribal community, an indigenous group with deep ecological knowledge. He reviewed the work of Eco Development Committees (EDCs) that showcased handicrafts and artisanal products developed by Tharu women, underscoring the Ministry’s focus on livelihood generation through conservation-linked enterprises.

The Union Minister appreciated the community’s commitment to sustainable practices and praised the empowerment of tribal women, which aligns with India's broader goals under the Global Biodiversity Framework and SDGs.

Boosting Gharial Conservation at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

In a separate but related conservation initiative, Shri Yadav visited the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, a critical habitat along the Indo-Nepal border that plays a pivotal role in the survival of the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)—India’s endemic and critically endangered crocodilian species.

Joined by forest officials, the Minister ceremoniously released seven Gharial yearlings into the Girwa River, reinforcing India’s dedication to species recovery. The release marks a continuation of Katarniaghat’s focused conservation programme, which includes captive rearing, nesting site protection, and community awareness campaigns.

Interaction with Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)

During his visit, Shri Yadav also interacted with the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) stationed at Dudhwa. He commended their courage and vigilance, particularly during monsoon patrolling, when wildlife movement and illegal activities like poaching and encroachment increase.

He assured them that the government remains committed to strengthening their operational capacity, improving logistics, and ensuring their safety and welfare. The STPF plays a crucial role in protecting India’s flagship species, the Bengal Tiger, as well as other wildlife across protected areas.

A Holistic Approach to Coexistence

Summarizing the outcomes of the workshop and site visits, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized that coexistence must be the cornerstone of India’s conservation philosophy. He called for science-backed, community-sensitive, and eco-centric policies that can reduce conflict while fostering biodiversity conservation.

The Minister concluded by saying that Dudhwa’s success in combining people’s participation, technology, and policy innovation should serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.