TN Government Allocates Rs 20 Crore to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict

In Chennai, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 20 crore this year to implement integrated measures aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict, with a special focus on preventing elephant incursions into human habitations and agricultural areas. Forest Minister R.V. Ranjithkumar announced the fund allocation on Wednesday in a official statement marking World Elephant Day.

The minister stated that Tamil Nadu will intensify efforts to protect natural elephant habitats, conserve traditional elephant corridors, and promote harmonious coexistence between local communities and elephants. World Elephant Day is observed globally on August 12 every year to highlight elephant conservation and emphasize the necessity of protecting their natural habitats.

Data from the latest synchronized elephant population estimation shows that Tamil Nadu currently has an estimated 3,170 wild elephants. The state maintains five notified Elephant Reserves spanning over 9.1 lakh hectares, including the Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, which ranks among the country's major elephant landscapes.

Explaining the factors behind the increase in human-elephant encounters, Ranjithkumar noted that changing land-use patterns, the expansion of human settlements along forest boundaries, habitat fragmentation, and various infrastructure projects have escalated interactions. To counteract these challenges, the state government is taking steps to improve grass and fodder availability, augment water resources, restore degraded forests, remove invasive plant species, and carry out soil and moisture conservation works.

Physical measures and technology are also being mobilized to secure high-risk zones. Traditional elephant corridors are being identified, secured, and conserved to offer safe passage for herds between habitats. Existing elephant-proof trenches and solar-powered fences will be maintained and strengthened, while new barriers will be established in vulnerable locations. Additional manpower will also be deployed to patrol impacted areas and safely guide elephants back into forest territory.

Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring and early-warning systems are being expanded in high-risk areas to detect elephant movements and issue alerts to local communities and Forest Department personnel. Ranjithkumar appealed to farmers, local youth, and residents living near forest boundaries to immediately notify the Forest Department whenever wild elephants enter farmland or human habitations.