Maharashtra: State Forest Minister Directs To Implement Measures To Curb Forest Fires And Protect Wildlife Habitats
Maharashtra: State Forest Minister Directs To Implement Measures To Curb Forest Fires And Protect Wildlife Habitats
Mumbai: Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced plans to develop tiger and leopard habitats to address increasing human-wildlife conflicts. He emphasized that tourists disrupting wildlife paths during safaris in reserved forest areas would face strict action. He highlighted that wildlife venturing into human settlements is a growing concern and stressed the need for effective conservation measures, including strategies from the British era.
Addressing the rising incidents of tiger and leopard attacks, Minister Naik outlined the Forest Department’s initiatives. To prevent predators from entering human habitats for food, he proposed enhancing their natural habitats with sustainable food sources. This includes planting fruit-bearing trees in core forest areas to expand their living space.
The minister also discussed measures to control forest fires, a recurring issue exacerbated by global climate patterns. He stated that Maharashtra would study international fire management techniques and, if required, deploy small aircraft for firefighting. Additionally, the state government is reviewing compensation policies for human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. Naik appealed to the public to avoid encroaching on wildlife territories.
Investigations into Wildlife Incidents
Naik addressed recent incidents, including the deaths of tigers and leopards at Nagpur’s Gorewada Zoo, suspected to be caused by consuming contaminated chicken. A medical report is awaited, and any negligence by officials will lead to strict action. Furthermore, the Forest Department is probing a tiger poaching case in Pandharkawda’s Wani range, with appropriate measures underway to prevent such occurrences.
