Government Measures to Mitigate Human–Wildlife Conflict
Financial Assistance under Centrally Sponsored Schemes
The Government of India provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories through key Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) such as:
- Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats
- Project Tiger
- Project Elephant
These schemes aim to improve the quality of forest and wildlife habitats—particularly in national parks and sanctuaries—by enhancing availability of food and water resources, which helps discourage wild animals from straying into human settlements.
Construction of Protective Barriers
- To physically prevent the entry of wild animals into nearby villages and towns, the government supports the construction of boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around sensitive zones. These activities are eligible for central funding and are particularly useful in vulnerable forest fringes.
Infrastructure for Capturing and Managing Problematic Animals
Infrastructure and support systems are developed for the immobilization and relocation of problematic wild animals through tranquilization methods. Once captured, such animals may be:
- Released back into natural habitats
- Shifted to designated rescue and rehabilitation centers
This ensures both human safety and animal welfare.
Legal Provision for Handling Threat-Causing Animals
- Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Chief Wildlife Wardens of States/UTs are legally empowered to permit the hunting of specific wild animals if they are declared problematic and pose a threat to human life or property.
Awareness and Community Sensitization Programs
- To reduce panic and encourage responsible behavior, the government organizes awareness campaigns in conflict-prone areas. These programs educate the public about Do’s and Don’ts during wild animal sightings or attacks, aiming to minimize conflict through informed responses.
Eco-Development and Community Engagement
- Eco-development initiatives are undertaken in villages located near Protected Areas to promote community participation in wildlife management. These initiatives also address local grievances related to human-wildlife conflict and encourage co-existence strategies that benefit both communities and conservation efforts.
