The Maharashtra Government will review the proposed inclusion of 555 villages in the expansion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and try to exclude villages that do not fall within the tiger corridor after consultations with local public representatives, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik told the State Assembly.

The minister said forest officials will engage with elected representatives and villagers before finalising the proposal for the Centre. He assured that eco-sensitive zone regulations will not affect routine activities such as farming, housing or public infrastructure, with restrictions limited to environmentally harmful industries. Naik also said the government is working to reduce human-wildlife conflict by improving forest habitats and prey availability, while ensuring faster compensation and safeguards for affected residents.

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