NAGPUR: Man-animal conflict rarely resonates in election times and it's perhaps the first time the issue triggered so much unrest among affected villages in Maharashtra that BJP has included it in the poll manifesto.
Apart from promising people's welfare, the saffron brigade promised use of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence and drones to curb man-animal conflict and prevent damage to life and property.

The Vidarbha region is reeling under tiger-elephant-human conflict, but none of the parties has addressed the crucial issue. About 450 of Chandrapur district's total 1,500 villages are vulnerable to conflict due to their proximity to forest areas. Installing AI systems in these villages will require substantial investment and adequate infrastructure such as a control room where data will be collated.
Welcoming the initiative, senior forest officials said, "Man-animal conflict, forest conservation, environment, and green cover are never a priority for political parties during elections. Transitioning to AI-based technology is imperative."
There is a surge in man-animal conflict involving human casualties, animal injuries, cattle kills, and crop damage cases. In 2018-19, the state paid Rs 28 crore as compensation, but in 2023-24 the figure soared to Rs 137 crore, officials said.
"State forest department is already using drones to monitor movement of tigers and wild elephants. Also, AI-based technology is operational in 10 sensitive villages around Tadoba and one near Pench. These projects are being implemented on a pilot basis," officials told TOI.
AI-based technology installed by TATR was also highlighted by PM Narendra Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat' programme. A distinctive feature of the system is predictive analytics, which monitors wildlife behaviour and dispatches early warnings to villages about approaching tigers, bears, and leopards, thereby reducing risk of attacks on humans and livestock.
"Currently, four-five AI cameras have been installed in 10 villages surrounding Tadoba to sound alerts. We need more sophisticated systems to collect predictive data. This necessitates additional financial infusion," said TATR officials.
A top official said, "We have engaged VNIT, Nagpur, as a consultant to standardize AI project and a committee comprising experts from IITs was set up. The team is expected to conduct a site visit next week. Once VNIT standardizes the AI system, it will be formally implemented on a wider scale with state funds. It is good that BJP has included it in its political manifesto."