In a decisive step to reduce the growing incidents of human-wildlife conflict, particularly attacks by tigers and leopards, the Uttar Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department is preparing a detailed proposal to relocate big cats from densely populated forest zones to areas with lower wildlife concentration. The proposal will soon be submitted to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for approval.
The State has been witnessing over 50 human deaths annually due to tiger and leopard attacks, making the situation increasingly alarming. With buffer zones between forests and human settlements shrinking across districts from Bahraich to Bijnor, the risk of conflict has reached critical levels.
To prevent such encounters, the Government has also initiated plans to install robust warning systems to alert villagers when big cats stray from the forest. These systems will be supplemented with artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring to track animal movement in real time.
“Using AI, we will be able to monitor the movement of tigers more effectively,” said Sunil Chaudhary, Head of Forests, Uttar Pradesh. “If a tiger steps out of the forest boundary, we can alert local communities immediately and prevent any tragic incident. Alongside this, we are conducting awareness drives to educate people on how to avoid confrontation with wild animals.”
Officials confirmed that relocation plans are being drafted to shift tigers and leopards from regions like Amangarh (Bijnor), Pilibhit, Dudhwa, and Katarniaghat-where the population of big cats is relatively high-to less populated forests such as Sohagibarwa (Maharajganj), Najibabad, and Ranipur (Chitrakoot), which are suitable habitats but currently have fewer predators. The relocation will only proceed with the approval of NTCA, as mandated under national wildlife guidelines.
In the meantime, the State Government is working on physical deterrents. Districts severely affected by conflict-including Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, and Bijnor-will be protected using chain-link and solar-powered fencing. A proposal for 10 km of solar fencing in Khutar (Shahjahanpur) has already been submitted, following a recent incident where a tiger killed two villagers.
Wildlife experts say that the reduction in buffer zones has brought human populations into close proximity with territorial predators, increasing the likelihood of fatal encounters. “These big cats are simply following their natural instincts. The fault lies in unplanned development and encroachments that leave no space for wildlife,” said a senior forest official on condition of anonymity.
The relocation strategy, combined with technological surveillance and physical barriers, is expected to provide a long-term solution to the crisis.
However, officials also stress the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts.
“We want to ensure coexistence, not confrontation,” said Chaudhary. “The goal is to protect both human lives and wildlife by creating safe and sustainable environments for all.”
If approved and implemented effectively, the plan could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues of human-wildlife conflict in a rapidly urbanizing landscape.