JUNE 20: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired an interactive workshop on the management of human-wildlife conflict at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh on 19th June 2025. The session was attended by Members of Parliament, state ministers, MLAs, and senior officials from both central and state governments.
The workshop served as a platform to deliberate on the growing challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Discussions highlighted the steps already taken by the central and state governments, along with the future roadmap for conflict mitigation. The participants were briefed about Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence, to find sustainable and peaceful solutions to such conflicts.
In line with this vision, Shri Yadav announced that the Ministry has initiated steps toward establishing a Centre of Excellence for human-wildlife conflict management, in collaboration with institutions like WII and SACON. Ministry officials presented recent advisories and guidelines issued to the states, and shared insights on financial support extended under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The Government of Uttar Pradesh shared its own measures, including the significant step of declaring human-wildlife conflict a ‘disaster’ under the State Disaster Management Act, enabling quicker relief and response mechanisms.
The suggestions received during the workshop will help shape future strategies for managing human-wildlife interactions and minimizing conflict-related incidents.
In addition to the workshop, Shri Yadav engaged with the local Tharu community at Village Balera. Members of Eco Development Committees showcased handicrafts developed by Tharu women, reflecting efforts to generate employment and promote women’s empowerment through sustainable livelihoods.
Later, the Minister visited Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary where he interacted with forest officials involved in Gharial conservation. As part of the visit, Shri Yadav participated in the symbolic release of seven Gharial yearlings into the Girwa River, giving a boost to conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
He also met with personnel from the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), acknowledging their role in wildlife protection and addressing the unique challenges they face during monsoon season patrolling.