Forest Minister Ganesh Naik directs preparation of detailed plan; separate ₹90 crore ‘Elephant Village’ proposal considered for Kolhapur’s Ajra region
Sindhudurg: Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has directed Forest Department officials to prepare a comprehensive proposal for developing a dedicated elephant habitat in the Tilari forest region of Dodamarg taluka in Sindhudurg district, as the government explores long-term measures to address recurring human–elephant conflict in the area.
An estimated provision of around ₹12 crore is proposed for the Tilari initiative, while a separate proposal of approximately ₹90 crore is to be prepared for an “Elephant Village” in the Ajra–Ghatkarwadi region of neighbouring Kolhapur district.
The issue was discussed at a review meeting chaired by Naik at Mantralaya.
Former minister and local MLA Deepak Kesarkar, Kudal–Malvan MLA Dr Nilesh Rane, Dodamarg Panchayat Samiti Deputy Chairman Ganeshprasad Gawas, Raju Nimbalkar, Gopal Gawas, Girish Parab, Rajan Maurye and senior Forest Department officials attended the meeting.
Recurring Elephant Movement in Tilari
Elephant herds have been entering the Tilari Dam region for several years from neighbouring Karnataka and the Ajra–Chandgad belt of Kolhapur district.
The elephants generally enter the region after the monsoon and move through several villages of Dodamarg taluka, often remaining in the area for extended periods.
Their movement has resulted in repeated damage to agricultural fields, orchards and plantations, leading farmers and local residents to demand a permanent strategy to reduce crop losses and human–elephant conflict.
During the meeting, officials discussed the possibility of developing a habitat within the forest landscape around Tilari that could provide elephants with adequate food and space while reducing their movement towards human settlements and agricultural areas.
Naik directed the Forest Department to prepare a detailed proposal with an estimated outlay of around ₹12 crore.
Food Resources and Protective Measures
Under the proposed plan, suitable food resources for elephants would be developed within the reserved forest area surrounding the Tilari reservoir.
Protective fencing and other measures to manage elephant movement are also proposed to be examined as part of the detailed project report.
The Forest Department has been asked to assess the ecological requirements of the area and submit a comprehensive proposal.
The meeting also discussed a separate “Elephant Village” project proposed for the Ajra–Ghatkarwadi area of Kolhapur district. Naik directed officials to prepare a proposal estimated at around ₹90 crore for the initiative.
Compensation for Crop Damage
The recurring losses suffered by farmers due to elephants and other wild animals were also reviewed.
Naik directed Forest Department officials to take a practical approach while examining compensation claims and consider measures to improve relief available to affected farmers.
Bamboo cultivation has expanded considerably in Sindhudurg, particularly in Dodamarg taluka. Farmers, however, have complained that elephant herds frequently damage bamboo plantations.
The meeting was informed that compensation difficulties arise because bamboo is classified as grass under the existing regulatory framework.
A demand was therefore made to examine whether bamboo could be treated appropriately for compensation purposes so that farmers suffering elephant-related losses could receive financial relief.
The proposal was accepted for further examination, and the Forest Department was asked to initiate the necessary follow-up.
Similar demands were raised regarding damage to cashew and jackfruit crops. Naik directed officials to submit a proposal examining whether these crops could also be brought under appropriate wildlife-damage compensation provisions.
Tranquiliser Equipment for Trained Teams
The Forest Minister also reviewed measures required for managing situations involving elephant movement close to settlements.
He directed that appropriate tranquiliser equipment be made available to properly trained and authorised personnel so that the department can respond promptly when intervention becomes necessary.
The forest landscape behind the Tilari reservoir is already subject to wildlife conservation measures.
The meeting discussed fencing, habitat management and other interventions required to provide a safer and more sustainable wildlife landscape while reducing conflict with surrounding villages.
Naik directed that priority be given to measures considered necessary for the protection of both wildlife and local communities.
Aronda Mangrove Boardwalk Project Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed the proposed Mangrove Boardwalk Interpretation Centre, envisaged as a nature-tourism and environmental-education facility at Aronda in Vengurla taluka.
The project has received approval through the Mangrove Foundation, while design work and the process of securing statutory permissions are underway.
As physical work has yet to commence, the meeting discussed the need to extend the period available for utilisation of the sanctioned funds.
Naik directed officials to expedite permissions and other processes connected with the Mangrove Boardwalk project and address issues affecting local residents.
The proposed Tilari elephant habitat, if taken forward after detailed ecological and financial appraisal, could become an important component of Sindhudurg’s efforts to manage the growing interaction between wildlife, farming communities and human settlements in the forested Dodamarg belt.
