Chandrapur: Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik on Wednesday outlined an ambitious, region-specific wildlife management roadmap in the Assembly, proposing tiger-focused projects across Vidarbha while pushing for leopard safaris in Konkan, Western Maharashtra and Khandesh. The announcement came in reply to concerns raised by Congress MLA Nana Patole over rising human-wildlife conflict.Intervening during the Budget session, Naik said the govt intends to expand conservation infrastructure in line with regional biodiversity patterns. “Every dist in Vidarbha should have a tiger project,” he said, urging legislators to formally submit demands. These projects, he clarified, would be confined to forest areas and not encroach upon human settlements.Highlighting scale of the challenge, Naik noted that Chandrapur forest circle alone spans nearly 2,751sqkm and has witnessed a sharp rise in tiger numbers — from around 100 five to seven years ago to nearly 450 today. The surge, while signalling conservation success, has intensified encounters between humans and wildlife.Addressing safety concerns, the minister said forest dept is deploying satellite surveillance and artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to track animal movement. He also pointed to joint forest management initiatives, where local communities work alongside forest officials to reduce conflict and improve response mechanisms.Naik added that the govt is developing rescue and treatment facilities for injured wildlife and is working on a structured, long-term plan. A detailed project report (DPR) outlining the dept’s roadmap for remaining 45 months of the current tenure will be shared with all legislators.Expanding on the regional approach, Naik said dists in Konkan, western Maharashtra and Khandesh — where leopard presence is more prominent — will be considered for dedicated leopard safari projects. He underlined that wildlife activity is no longer confined to remote forests, citing increasing leopard sightings even in urban pockets of Mumbai.“This is not a problem of one constituency, it is a state-wide issue,” Naik said, assuring members that the govt remains committed to balancing wildlife conservation with human safety.Govt job for tiger attack victim’s daughter: MinResponding to Nana Patole, Naik referred to a recent tiger attack in Sakoli that claimed the life of a 50-year-old man. Acknowledging the gravity of the incident, the minister said he has ordered that one of the victim’s daughters be provided a permanent govt job. “Not temporary, but permanent,” he emphasised, signalling a shift towards stronger rehabilitation support for affected families.
