Maharashtra Govt To Install AI-Based Wildlife Alert System In 1,000 Villages To Prevent Human-Animal Conflict
Maharashtra Govt To Install AI-Based Wildlife Alert System In 1,000 Villages To Prevent Human-Animal Conflict
Mumbai, May 26, 2026: The Maharashtra government has approved a comprehensive ₹260-crore action plan aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict across the state. The decision was taken during the Standing Committee meeting of the State Wildlife Board chaired by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.
Under the first phase of the initiative, the government will establish AI-based wildlife alert systems in around 1,000 villages located near forest areas. The system is designed to provide villagers with real-time alerts about the movement of wild animals, helping prevent attacks on humans and damage to crops.
The state has also approved the establishment of 10 advanced control rooms, two rescue centres, and 10 transit treatment centres for injured wildlife. In addition, 20 Rapid Rescue Teams and 2,000 village-level Primary Response Teams involving local residents will be formed to tackle emergency wildlife situations.
The meeting was attended by MLA Sameer Meghe, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Srinivas Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) M. Srinivas Reddy, Deputy Secretary Nikita Pandey, and other senior officials.
According to Minister Naik, the proposed control rooms will function on the lines of police control centres and will be equipped with modern digital infrastructure. These centres will monitor forest department resources, vehicles, and patrol teams while coordinating rapid response during wildlife conflict situations.
The AI-based alert mechanism has already been tested on a pilot basis in villages near forest areas. Following positive results, the government has now decided to expand the system across 1,000 villages in Maharashtra.
The government also announced plans to create dedicated rescue and treatment infrastructure for wild animals. Ten transit treatment centres will provide temporary medical care to rescued animals before rehabilitation.
To address crop damage caused by animals such as deer, monkeys, and wild boars, the forest department will deploy two mobile capture squads equipped with advanced tools. These teams will capture nuisance animals from affected areas and relocate them back into forest habitats.
The state is also considering setting up two sterilisation centres to control the population of monkeys and wild boars.
Officials said the measures are expected to significantly reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect human lives, and minimise crop losses faced by farmers in forest-adjacent regions.
