Fri Jun 20 15:18:31 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Farmers’ associations in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu, India, are urging the central and state governments to take concrete steps to mitigate the growing problem of wildlife-human conflict. Citing recent human fatalities due to elephant attacks and significant crop damage by various wild animals, they are requesting a centralized helpline for rapid reporting of animal sightings and better equipment (walkie-talkies) for forest personnel. Farmers are also advocating for clearer categorization of wild pigs for effective management. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has initiated action to establish a Centre of Excellence for human-wildlife conflict management and has previously issued advisories and guidelines.
**News Article:**
**India: Farmers Demand Government Action on Wildlife-Human Conflict**
**Coimbatore, June 20, 2025** – Farmers’ associations in the Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu are voicing urgent concerns over the increasing conflict between wildlife and humans, demanding immediate action from both the central and state governments.
Citing a rise in fatal elephant attacks and widespread crop destruction by animals like wild pigs, local farming groups are calling for improved infrastructure and responsiveness from authorities.
“Farmers and agricultural workers are becoming victims of these attacks,” said Eesan Murugasamy, Founder of the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Protection Association. “We need a centralized helpline to quickly alert the Forest Department when wild animals stray outside forest boundaries. This will allow for swift action and prevent further damage and loss of life.”
In addition to the helpline, the associations are urging the state government to equip forest personnel with walkie-talkies, enabling better communication and faster response times during patrols. They also called for clear categorization of wild pigs venturing outside forest areas and staying in thickets in human settlements.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reportedly taken steps to address the issue, including establishing a Centre of Excellence dedicated to human-wildlife conflict management. This center will explore using advanced technologies like AI to find effective solutions. The ministry also previously issued advisories in 2021 to help solve the conflicts, including establishment of rapid response teams.
The farmers hope that these measures will lead to a significant reduction in wildlife-human conflict and provide greater security for both communities and their livelihoods.
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