WITH incidents of human-elephant conflict rising across Maharashtra, the State Forest Department has launched a comprehensive action plan that includes dedicated Elephant Task Forces, GPS radio collaring of conflict-prone herds, real-time village alert systems, and specialised elephant camps.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) M Srinivasa Reddy has directed the forest circles of Kolhapur, Chandrapur, Nagpur, and Gadchiroli to implement the measures on priority, marking a shift towards a scientific and coordinated approach to managing conflict between elephants and people.