Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Uttar Pradesh's Bagh Mitras: Bridging Human-Tiger Conflict Through Local Volunteers
Imagine tigers and people living near each other in India.
Sometimes, they get scared of each other, which can be dangerous.
So, a program called Bagh Mitras was started to help.
'Bagh Mitra' means 'friend of the tiger'.
Local volunteers are trained to understand tiger behavior and what to do when a tiger is seen near a village.
They learn how to track tigers and how to calm people down when they are frightened.
This helps stop fights between people and tigers.
These volunteers report tiger sightings to the forest department and help in rescue situations.
The program works with the forest department and WWF-India to make sure everyone stays safe and lives peacefully together.
It's like having special helpers who understand both people and tigers and make sure they get along.
The Bagh Mitra program trains local volunteers in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit region to manage human-tiger conflicts.
Launched in 2019 by WWF-India in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh State Forest Department and local communities, it aims to foster coexistence.
Bagh Mitras act as first responders, reporting wildlife movements, assisting in rescues, and conducting awareness programs.
From 2020 to June 2025, 977 conflicts involving tigers and human habitations were peacefully mitigated.
The initiative has received praise, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address in July 2024.
- Who
- Local volunteers (Bagh Mitras), WWF-India, Uttar Pradesh State Forest Department, and local communities.
- What
- The Bagh Mitra programme trains local volunteers to act as first responders and conflict managers for human-wildlife incidents involving tigers and other wildlife, promoting peaceful coexistence.
- When
- Launched in 2019, with 977 conflicts mitigated between 2020 and June 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative in July 2024.
- Where
- Pilibhit region, Uttar Pradesh, India (part of the Terai Arc Landscape).
- Why
- To reduce human-wildlife conflicts, provide a clear way forward after incidents, protect both villagers and tigers, and foster coexistence in areas where human and tiger habitats overlap.
Traditional Approaches
Bagh Mitra Approach
Response to Conflict
Traditional Approaches
Historically, local communities often demanded the killing of tigers involved in attacks and threatened forest department staff.
Bagh Mitra Approach
Bagh Mitras act as first responders, aiming to calm villagers and manage situations to allow tigers to return to the forest peacefully, preventing escalation.
Focus of Intervention
Traditional Approaches
Interventions were reactive, focusing on retribution or immediate removal of the animal.
Bagh Mitra Approach
The Bagh Mitra programme emphasizes peaceful coexistence, education, and understanding tiger behavior to prevent future conflicts.
- Programme Name
- Bagh Mitra
- Launch Year
- 2019
- Region
- Pilibhit region, Uttar Pradesh (Terai Arc Landscape)
- Key Partners
- WWF-India, Uttar Pradesh State Forest Department, Local Communities
- Conflicts Mitigated
- 977 (reported between 2020 - June 2025)
- Awareness Campaign Reach
- 6,660 people in 35 villages (Tiger Express programme)