Forest dept plans data-driven elephant tracking to reduce conflict in Vidarbha

Chandrapur: A year-long scientific study will be taken up in Gadchiroli district for creation of a comprehensive database of elephants movements in Vidarbha, with focus on tracking herds and migration routes with GIS technology, documenting behaviour and collecting field-based information. The initiative, facilitated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to provide authorities with reliable data for better wildlife management and reducing human-elephant conflict.The Maharashtra Forest Department has authorised the conservation organisation, Farmers for Forests, to undertake the study. The principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Maharashtra, approved the project on Monday. Officials believe the study will generate accurate and up-to-date insights into elephant activity across the region, where elephant presence has increased significantly in recent years.The database will contain photographs of individual animals, details of herd composition, age and sex classifications, and behavioural records. Such information is expected to improve understanding of migration patterns, habitat use and long-term population trends.Geographic Information System (GIS) technology will be used to identify resting areas, road-crossing points, sensitive habitats and potential human-elephant conflict zones, helping forest officials plan preventive measures more effectively.Alongside scientific monitoring, the programme will place strong emphasis on community participation. Awareness campaigns, village meetings, training camps and information dissemination activities will be organised to help residents better understand elephant behaviour and safety practices. Educational material will be prepared for school students, while forest personnel and volunteers will receive specialised training.Quarterly reports, technical records and field-study findings generated under the project will be submitted to the Forest Department for policy planning and conservation management.With Gadchiroli emerging as an important elephant landscape, officials view the initiative as a significant move towards data-driven wildlife management. Conservationists believe the model could become a benchmark for balancing wildlife protection with the interests and safety of local communities across Maharashtra.Gadchiroli's human-elephant conflict since 2021Gadchiroli had reported occasional elephant sightings since 2014 but the human-elephant conflict came into focus after a herd migrated from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh into Gadchiroli's Murumgaon and Dhanora forest ranges in October 2021. While the herd largely remained in Gadchiroli forests, it often moved into neighbouring Chandrapur and Gondia districts in search of food and water. Now, a herd has been camping in Saoli forest range for more than a week. After crossing the Wainganga River, the herd travelled through Chandrapur forest division and is currently residing at the local pond of Saoli tukum village close to Saoli town.