The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has sanctioned Rs 35.58 lakh for the implementation of a special plan to contain the human-tiger conflict around Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).

The Indian Express had earlier reported how the plan, submitted in February with NTCA, had been on hold despite the conflict getting acute with each passing month. Following the report, NTCA Member-Secretary Rajesh Gopal discussed it with Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) B Majumdar.

Since January 2006, The Indian Express has reported 35 human deaths in tiger attacks in the forests of TATR. Over 25 persons have been injured.

The funds that have been sanctioned is much in excess of what the state Forest Department had expected and the plan is now ready to roll out. “We will now have a memorandum of understanding with local NGO Tiger Research and Conservation Trust (TRACT) and submit a continuation proposal to the state Government, which would sanction the work order,” Majumdar said.

The three-year plan, Corridor Conservation Programme, envisages to conduct a survey in the area to assess the population and distribution of the tigers and to understand the reasons for the man-animal conflict. It would also determine the habitat degradation, water bodies, natural wild animal dwellings and other physical features and improve protection and monitoring system.

The training would be on wildlife management — monitoring the carnivores, study their movements and undertake community awareness programmes to reduce human interference.