Man-animal conflict is being actively addressed through community-driven policies: CM Fadnavis

Filmmaker, director, and cinematographer Subbiah Nallamuthu felicitated in recognition of his outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation.

Mumbai: Man-animal conflict is being actively addressed through thoughtful, community-driven policies across Maharashtra and new opportunities are being created, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Economy and ecology go together, said Fadnavis.

“Man-animal conflict is being actively addressed through thoughtful, community-driven policies. In areas where farming is not viable, new opportunities are emerging through conservatories and forest-based livelihoods. These efforts are turning challenges into pathways for coexistence, where both people and wildlife can thrive together,” Fadnavis said.

He was speaking on the occasion of International Tiger Day, during which he launched the trailer of the documentary Wild Tadoba and presented the 'Asiatic Big Cat Society National Award' to renowned international filmmaker, director, and cinematographer Subbiah Nallamuthu, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation.

State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and water resources and disaster management minister Girish Mahajan were also present.

“Conservation becomes real when people lead and policies empower,” he said, adding: “Man-animal conflict is being actively addressed through thoughtful, community-driven policies. In areas where farming is not viable, new opportunities are emerging through conservatories and forest-based livelihoods. These efforts are turning challenges into pathways for coexistence, where both people and wildlife can thrive together.”

The Chief Minister said that in the last ten to fifteen years, the Maharashtra Forest Department has done very good work in the field of wildlife and has made special efforts to create an ' economy' along with 'ecology '. “Now a large number of tourists and researchers are coming to Maharashtra and all kinds of employment is being created. Forest and wildlife conservation is no longer a matter of a handful of people, but has gained the trust of society in this field. There was some frustration due to human-wildlife conflict. But to find a solution to it, the Maharashtra government is formulating a new policy and has tried to connect the people of rural areas with conservation work,” he added.

Speaking about the state’s experience, the CM added: “For over a decade, tiger conservation in Maharashtra has moved with focus and purpose. The Forest Department’s consistent work has helped protect tigers, restore habitats and revive ecosystems. Along with ecology, a new economy has grown. Tourism, research and local employment have seen a steady rise. Forests are now creating livelihoods, and people are becoming equal partners in their protection.”

According to him, public trust has strengthened this journey. “Conservation is no longer limited to reports or protected zones. It lives in communities, in their choices and in the shared responsibility they now carry,” he said, noting that conservation works best when people are part of it from the beginning.

Speaking about Nallamuthu, Fadnavis said: “His films don’t just capture the forest, they speak its language. 'Wild Tadoba' offers a rare view into the life, balance, and beauty of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, and carries the potential to take Maharashtra’s conservation story to the global stage. Efforts will continue to ensure the message of conservation reaches wider audiences and finds deeper connection.”

He said Asiatic Big Cat Society’s Secretary Dr Ajay Patil continues to do commendable work in the field of wildlife conservation. “His dedication strengthens this mission and deserves appreciation and heartfelt congratulations.”he said.