e leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh has undertaken comprehensive
The Yogi Adityanath government 2.0 has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict in the state backwaters.
In the last two years, approximately 231 kilometres of chain-link fencing and 41 kilometres of solar fencing were installed across forest areas.
These efforts have significantly enhanced the safety of both wildlife and rural communities, including their livestock, which live near forest boundaries.
A key part of this strategy involves the deployment of ‘Bagh Mitras’, trained by the UP forest and wildlife department.
They are playing a vital role in bridging the gap between local communities and forest management.
These volunteers not only promote wildlife conservation but also support conflict prevention through awareness programs and real-time response coordination.
In alignment with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the department has introduced several innovative measures to protect both wildlife and the lives and livelihoods of villagers residing near forest zones.
Among these, the large-scale construction of chain-link fencing stands out as a highly effective intervention.
The fencing has proven successful in deterring wildlife from straying into human settlements, thereby reducing crop damage, human casualties, and incidents involving domestic animals entering forest areas and falling prey to wild predators.
The selection and training of ‘Bagh Mitras’ for villages bordering tiger reserves — as well as the Lion Safari in Etawah — has emerged as a particularly effective initiative.
These community volunteers help foster a sense of trust between villagers and the Forest Department by conducting regular awareness meetings that cover wildlife safety measures, animal behavioural patterns and emergency response protocols.
To strengthen these initiatives, the State Disaster Mitigation Fund has facilitated the procurement of advanced surveillance and tracking equipment.
These include drones, GPS devices, camera traps, and other modern tools that are instrumental in monitoring wildlife movements and preventing incursions into inhabited areas.
Regular patrolling and intensive monitoring are now being conducted, particularly along forest borders.
Through real-time tracking, the department can promptly respond to any wildlife-related emergencies, thereby enhancing safety for both people and animals.
Together, these initiatives by the Forest and Wildlife Department are not only helping conserve biodiversity, but are also fostering coexistence and supporting sustainable livelihoods in forest-adjacent communities.