Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has chaired the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at the Mantralaya. The Cabinet granted in-principle approval to the plan with a total outlay of Rs 47.11 crore, for the wild-elephant management and to reduce human-elephant conflict.
Madhya Pradesh is seeing an increase in the presence of wild elephants, particularly in areas like the Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserves. Many of these elephants are migrating from neighboring Chhattisgarh, leading to potential human-wildlife conflict, especially as they stray into human settlements. To address this, the state government has approved the plan to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
This plan will span four financial years — from 2023–24 to 2026–27. This comprehensive plan focuses on areas within protected zones where elephants are known to move or reside, as well as regions outside such zones. It includes provisions for the safety and monitoring of wild elephants, habitat management and development.
Control rooms will be set up for elephant monitoring, and various infrastructure will be developed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. E-eye surveillance systems will be established and operated. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts for wild animals will also be undertaken.
Training programs for local villagers
The plan also includes training programs for local villagers, Forest Department personnel, and officials from other departments to manage human-elephant conflict in affected areas. Different types of fencing — including solar-powered fencing — will be installed. Rapid Response Teams will be formed to handle emergencies, and necessary equipment will be procured. Patrolling vehicles and radio collars will be purchased for monitoring and tracking activities.
Haathi Mitra Dal will be formed
Additionally, the formation of a dedicated 'Haathi Mitra Dal' (Elephant Friend Team) has been approved, which will play a key role in the implementation of elephant conservation and conflict mitigation efforts.