Key Highlights
- Establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Wildlife Institute of India – Salim Ali Centre (WII‑SACON) to address human‑wildlife clashes.
- Deployment of Artificial Intelligence for predictive mapping and real‑time surveillance of conflict hotspots.
- Structured coordination with state administrations to implement Standard Operating Procedures and rapid‑response teams.
- Nationwide awareness initiatives targeting forest‑dependent communities and policy‑makers.
Detailed Insights
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the CoE on 21 June 2025, in response to mounting incidents of tiger and elephant attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. This initiative draws on the 2021 inter‑departmental advisory and the 2022 guidelines that outlined protocols for managing conflicts and encouraging public participation.
Core Objectives:
- Use AI and advanced analytics to predict and mitigate conflict zones.
- Drive research, training, and community outreach on conflict resolution.
- Collaborate with states and union territories to roll out SOPs and rapid‑response mechanisms.
- Organise sensitisation campaigns for forest‑dependent and rural populations.
Statistical Snapshot (2023‑24)
- Elephant‑related deaths: 628.
- Tiger‑related deaths: 74 (Maharashtra accounted for 57% of tiger deaths).
- Top elephant‑attack states: Odisha (154), West Bengal (99), Jharkhand (87), Assam (74).
Key Concepts
- Human‑Wildlife Conflict (HWC): Situations where human activities intersect with wildlife habitats, leading to violence or property damage.
- Centre of Excellence (CoE): A specialised institution focused on research, policy development, and capacity building in a specific domain.
- Rapid‑Response Team (RRT): An on‑site squad trained to intervene swiftly during conflict incidents, leveraging technology and local knowledge.
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): A set of detailed, step‑by‑step instructions designed to standardise responses to wildlife conflicts.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A systematic process to evaluate the potential environmental consequences before initiating projects that may affect wildlife.