State Approves 93.39 Crore War Chest to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict and Protect Forests

Major Financial Boost for Tiger Reserves and Sensitive Forest Zones Across Vidarbha, Western Maharashtra, and Konkan

Mumbai, August 12: In a major push toward safeguarding Maharashtra’s rich biodiversity and mitigating escalating human-wildlife conflicts, the state government has sanctioned a substantial fund of 93.39 crore (₹93,39,70,000). Issued by the Revenue and Forest Department on August 12, 2026, under the ‘Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management’ program, the government resolution (GR) is set to fast-track critical wildlife management projects across protected areas and sensitive forest divisions state-wide.

For the 2026–27 financial year, a total outlay of 205 crore was earmarked for this scheme. In the first phase, following a thorough review of 64 individual proposals submitted by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Budget, Planning, and Development), Nagpur, the state approved the immediate release of 93.39 crore. The allocated funds will primarily cover labor wages, procurement of essential field equipment and supplies, and operational management expenses.

A significant portion of this financial package has been directed toward high-conflict, predator-dense belts in Vidarbha, including the Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, and Nawegaon-Nagzira tiger reserves, alongside key forest divisions in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Gondia, Bramhapuri, and Wadsa. Furthermore, key conservation zones across Western Maharashtra—such as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur as well as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai and divisions in Nashik, Jalgaon, and Solapur, will receive substantial allocations.

This funding injection is expected to fortify forest security, streamline anti-poaching operations, and accelerate wildlife management measures across Maharashtra.