Govt to Set Up Centre of Excellence to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict

In a significant step toward sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for human-wildlife conflict management. This centre, to be set up at WII–SACON, will leverage advanced technologies including AI, and promote public awareness and rapid response mechanisms to mitigate rising incidents of conflict across the country.

Why in News?

The initiative was announced on June 21, 2025, against the backdrop of increasing cases of tiger and elephant attacks in several states, resulting in hundreds of human fatalities. The new Centre aims to provide long-term strategic solutions combining technology, policy, and public engagement, and builds upon earlier advisories and guidelines issued in 2021 and 2022.

Objectives of the Centre of Excellence (CoE)

• Use AI and other advanced technologies to predict and manage conflict zones.
• Conduct research and training on conflict resolution and mitigation.
• Collaborate with States/UTs to implement SOPs and rapid response strategies.
• Organise awareness campaigns to sensitise the public and forest-dependent communities.

Background & Government Efforts So Far

Feb 2021 Advisory

• Called for coordinated inter-departmental action.
• Emphasized identifying conflict hotspots.
• Recommended setting up rapid response teams.

June 2022 Guidelines

• Issued detailed protocols for handling conflict situations.
• Encouraged public participation and education.

State/District-level Panels

• Created to expedite compensation and relief for victims.
• Reviewed demand for financial support to affected families.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Statistics

Tiger Attacks (Human Deaths)

• 2022: 111
• 2023: 86
• 2024: 74
• Maharashtra alone contributed 57% of 2024’s tiger-related deaths.
• Uttar Pradesh also recorded high incidents.

Elephant Attacks (2023–24)

• Total human deaths: 628

Top States

• Odisha: 154
• West Bengal: 99
• Jharkhand: 87
• Assam: 74

Gharial Conservation Highlighted

• Yadav released Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) hatchlings in Katerniaghat (U.P.).

Part of a broader project aimed at,

• Reviving river ecosystems.
• Strengthening both in-situ and ex-situ conservation models.