Centre of Excellence to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict, Announces Union Minister Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, has announced a landmark initiative to establish a national Centre of Excellence (CoE) for managing human-wildlife conflict. To be set up in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), the Centre will leverage advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and public engagement to mitigate the growing number of conflicts.
his significant step towards ensuring sustainable coexistence was unveiled on June 21, 2025. The CoE aims to be a national hub for research, policy formulation, and rapid response, creating a strategic framework to manage and prevent incidents of conflict that pose a threat to both human lives and India’s precious wildlife heritage
Why in News?
The announcement comes against the backdrop of alarming statistics on human fatalities due to wildlife encounters. With rising cases of tiger and elephant attacks in several states, the government is shifting focus towards creating long-term, strategic solutions. This new Centre builds upon advisories and guidelines issued over the past few years, aiming to create a more robust, technology-driven, and community-oriented approach to a complex national issue.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence (CoE)
- To utilize AI, satellite mapping, and predictive analytics to identify and monitor conflict-prone zones in advance.
- To conduct specialized field research and create training programs for frontline forest staff and wildlife managers.
- To collaborate with States and Union Territories to implement harmonized, science-backed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- To roll out extensive public awareness campaigns targeting forest-dependent communities to promote safe practices and reduce risks.
Background & Government Efforts So Far
The establishment of the CoE is a progression of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to address HWC.
- February 2021 Advisory: The Ministry called for coordinated action between various government departments (Forest, Agriculture, Revenue), emphasized the mapping of conflict hotspots, and recommended the formation of well-equipped Rapid Response Teams.
- June 2022 Guidelines: Detailed, step-by-step protocols for managing conflict incidents were issued, with a strong focus on community participation, stakeholder meetings, and streamlining compensation procedures.
- State/District-level Panels: Committees were formed to ensure timely review and disbursement of compensation and relief to victims and their families.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Statistics
The urgency for this initiative is highlighted by the latest official data:
Tiger Attacks (Human Deaths)
- 2022: 111
- 2023: 86
- 2024: 74
- Note: Maharashtra accounted for a staggering 57% of all tiger-related fatalities in 2024, with Uttar Pradesh also reporting high numbers.
Elephant Attacks (2023–24)
- Total Human Deaths: 628
- Top States:
- Odisha: 154
- West Bengal: 99
- Jharkhand: 87
- Assam: 74
Gharial Conservation Highlighted
As part of the broader conservation focus, Minister Bhupendra Yadav also participated in a Gharial conservation initiative. He released several Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) hatchlings into the Gerua River at Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. This project aims to revive river ecosystems and strengthen conservation models for this critically endangered species.
Summary / Static Details
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