Uttar Pradesh Launches “Gaj Mitra” Initiative to Prevent Human-Elephant Conflict

The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has introduced the “Gaj Mitra” program in Bijnor and other high-risk zones to train villagers as first responders, reducing human-elephant conflicts and protecting both wildlife and communities.

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Context

  • The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has begun deploying “Gaj Mitra” volunteers in Bijnor district, particularly in villages near Corbett National Park, to manage increasing elephant incursions into local communities.

About the News

  • It is modeled after the successful “Bagh Mitra” program (tiger watchers) operational in Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Amangarh Tiger Reserves.
  • This initiative trains villagers to act as the first informers when elephants enter human habitation areas to stop Human Wildlife Conflict.
  • Though the volunteers will be unpaid to preserve the voluntary ethos, but they will receive training and essential resources from the Forest Department.

Target

  • The goal is to have at least one Gaj Mitra per village across approximately 300 villages identified as high-risk zones for Human Elephant Conflict.

Other Related Context

  • Earlier deployments of Gaj Mitras included Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary
  • Where the forest department trained around 100 villagers to track elephant movement from Nepal, coordinate cross-border alerts via WhatsApp, and alert local communities. 
  • These volunteers helped prevent human casualties and reduce crop damage.

Outreach of the Programme

  • The UP government has now expanded Gaj Mitra training and deployment across all affected forest ranges in regions like Dudhwa, South Kheri, and Pilibhit, partnering with World Wildlife Fund for volunteer training.

Significance of the Programme

  • It will lead to proactive community-led monitoring which will help in reducing human‑elephant encounters, protecting both people and animals.
  • Each volunteer acts as a crucial bridge between rural communities and forest authorities, improving response times in potential conflict situations.


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