Government Deploys AI Technology to Reduce Man-Animal Conflict in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra state government is implementing AI-powered technology to reduce incidents of man-animal conflict. Nearly a thousand cameras will monitor predator movements near villages and farmlands, providing early warnings to local communities.
On Saturday, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement (Marvel), a state initiative developed in partnership with IIM-Nagpur and a private tech company. Marvel will oversee the use of these cameras to detect and alert villagers about predator presence.
Monitoring Key Tiger Reserves
The system will cover areas from Tadoba to Navegaon and Pench, where wildlife intrusions are common. Tadoba already has an operational “AI wall” that uses cameras to detect predators in real-time. This approach aims to increase safety for residents living near forests.
Official Statements on the Initiative
Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Finance and assistant guardian minister of Gadchiroli, explained the shift in focus: “Earlier, tiger numbers were low, so policies focused on their protection. Now that tiger populations are rising steadily, it is essential to protect human lives from man-animal conflicts.”
Marvel is led by IPS officer Harssh Poddar. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule added, “Around 900 cameras will track predator movements. When tigers or leopards approach villages, alerts will be sent immediately to residents.”
Addressing Rising Conflict in Eastern Vidarbha
Eastern Vidarbha has seen an increase in conflict cases, sparking protests. In 2024, a tiger attack near Pench resulted in a woman’s death and injuries to a youth, leading to unrest among villagers who damaged a forest department vehicle out of frustration.
Recognizing the challenges posed by a growing tiger population, the government has been actively seeking solutions. Ministers Jaiswal, Bawankule, and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik have been coordinating efforts and held a key meeting in Mumbai last month to discuss the issue.
Additional Measures to Protect Farmers
The government is also working on a scheme allowing farmers in buffer zones to lease their land to authorities. This provides farmers with a fixed income without the risks associated with farming in tiger-prone areas.
- Deployment of around 900 AI-powered cameras for real-time monitoring.
- Alert system to notify villagers instantly when predators are nearby.
- Collaboration between government, academic institutions, and private tech firms through Marvel.
- Land leasing scheme to protect farmers and reduce human-wildlife encounters.
This initiative reflects a practical approach to managing wildlife conservation alongside human safety concerns. For officials interested in AI applications in public safety and environmental management, this project offers valuable insights into integrating technology with community protection.
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