Moharli ( Mohammad Suleman Baig):
To mark Wildlife Week, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) organized a one-day workshop for journalists. The objective was to spread awareness through the media about wildlife conservation, core and buffer zone management, and the innovative technologies adopted by the Forest Department.
The workshop was chaired by Deputy Director (Core) Anand Reddy, who elaborated on the ongoing conservation initiatives, the progress of village relocation, and the various measures being taken to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. He shared that to strengthen research and monitoring, the Forest Department has established a Cyber Cell, which will utilize advanced technology for data analysis and real-time wildlife monitoring.
Reddy emphasized that community participation is the key to the success of Tadoba’s conservation model. To enhance local employment opportunities, six gypsies have been reserved for local residents every Wednesday morning at the Agarzari gate. Additionally, to ensure tourist safety and minimize disturbance to wildlife, the safari vehicle speed limit has been fixed at 30 km/h.
Through the Tadoba Foundation, villages in the buffer zone are being provided with a development grant of ₹3.5 lakh each. Over 5,000 students and members of women’s self-help groups have been offered free safaris to raise awareness about wildlife and conservation efforts in the region.
To further reduce human-wildlife conflict, AI-based surveillance cameras have been installed in the Sitarampeeth area. These cameras can detect animal movement up to 100 meters during the day and 30 meters at night, instantly alerting the Rapid Response Team, thereby enabling swift action in conflict-prone areas.
ACF V. Natu shared insights about a 275-hectare grassland developed at the site of the relocated Navegaon village. The area has been planted with native grass species such as Van Tulsi, Van Moong, Van Bajra, and Van Bhat, providing rich nutrition for herbivores and strengthening the ecological balance of Tadoba.
Currently, around 95 tigers reside within Tadoba, while the total tiger population in Chandrapur district stands at approximately 240. Various eco-tourism activities in the region have provided direct employment to 1,021 local residents, generating a monthly income of about ₹1.38 crore, thereby boosting the local economy.
The Forest Department also reaffirmed that single-use plastic is completely banned within Tadoba, a policy successfully enforced with the cooperation of tourists and local communities.
Senior forest officials, journalists, and wildlife enthusiasts attended the workshop.
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve today stands as a model of conservation, sustainable development, and community involvement — a place where nature preservation and livelihood coexist in perfect harmony.
