Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is introducing the ‘Bagh Didis’ initiative to strengthen tiger monitoring and reduce human-tiger conflict in villages near forest areas. Modelled on the existing ‘Bagh Mitra’ programme, the initiative will initially be launched around Kanha Tiger Reserve, with approximately 20 women to be appointed in the first phase.
The broader plan is to have at least one ‘Bagh Didi’ in every village located near a tiger reserve. Priority will be given to tribal women and residents of villages where tiger movement is frequent or the risk of human-tiger conflict is high.
The women will act as a link between local communities and the Forest Department by reporting tiger movements, helping prevent villagers from entering sensitive areas and spreading awareness about tiger behaviour and safety.
According to the Forest Department, the initiative will also create opportunities for women to participate directly in wildlife conservation.
What Is the ‘Bagh Didis’ Initiative?
‘Bagh Didis’, meaning ‘Tiger Sisters’, will be local women trained to help monitor tiger movements and improve communication between forest officials and villagers.
They will inform the Forest Department when tigers or signs of their presence are spotted near settlements. They will also educate residents about safe behaviour around forests and discourage people from entering areas where tiger movement has been reported.
The first phase will cover villages around Kanha Tiger Reserve, with around 20 women expected to be appointed. The department plans to expand the model to other villages near tiger reserves.
Each selected woman will receive an official identity card and an honorarium for her services. Mobile phones, emergency contact numbers and direct communication with the Forest Department’s control room may also be provided to support their work.
Why Is the Forest Department Involving Women?
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr. Samita Rajora said that as the tiger population increases, the animals’ movement is also expanding into new areas. This makes the involvement of communities living near forests increasingly important.
Women are closely connected to village life, household activities and local communities. Their involvement can help ensure that information about tiger movements reaches forest officials quickly.
The department believes that women can play an important role in communicating safety advisories, discouraging risky behaviour and building awareness among families.
The initiative is also intended to empower women, particularly those from tribal communities, by giving them a defined role in conservation and local wildlife management.
Training, Safety Measures and Responsibilities
The selected women will receive training to identify signs of tiger presence and communicate information effectively to forest officials and villagers.
Their training will cover:
- Identifying tiger pugmarks and other signs of movement.
- Understanding tiger behaviour and maintaining a safe distance.
- Reporting sightings through established communication channels.
- Raising awareness among villagers and discouraging entry into sensitive areas.
- Managing crowds safely and moving to a secure location if a threat arises.
In villages considered particularly sensitive, Bagh Didis may work in groups. The Forest Department will remain informed about their activities and provide communication support.
Their role will focus on reporting, awareness and community coordination rather than directly approaching or handling tigers.
Bagh Mitra Programme Already Has Around 1,500 Volunteers
The Bagh Didis initiative follows the existing ‘Bagh Mitra’ programme, under which the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has appointed around 1,500 tiger friends across the state.
According to Dr. Rajora, the initiative has helped curb human-tiger conflict by strengthening communication between forest officials and local communities.
The new programme will build on that approach by involving more women in village-level monitoring and awareness efforts.
By combining the existing network of Bagh Mitras with women-led community participation, the department aims to improve early reporting of tiger movements and reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
Focus on Tiger Conservation and Community Safety
The Bagh Didis initiative reflects an approach to wildlife conservation that involves residents of forest-adjacent villages in protecting both people and animals.
Timely reporting of tiger movements can help forest officials respond more quickly, while awareness campaigns can discourage villagers from entering sensitive areas or gathering around a tiger sighting.
The programme’s success will depend on effective training, reliable communication with forest officials and clear safety protocols for participating women.
With the initial rollout planned around Kanha Tiger Reserve, the Forest Department aims to develop a model that can eventually be extended to villages near other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
