Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Scheme

The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Scheme aims to protect and conserve tiger populations living outside designated reserves by enhancing monitoring, habitat management, and conflict mitigation measures.

Context: The Union Environment Ministry has approved funding for the ‘Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves’ (TOTR) pilot scheme, aimed at reducing human-tiger conflicts through improved monitoring and protection of tigers living outside designated reserves.

Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Pilot Scheme

Launched by the Union Ministry of Environment in response to increasing human-tiger conflicts across India.
Aims to protect and manage tiger populations living outside designated tiger reserves.
Total outlay: ₹88 crore till 2026–27.
Approved in principle by the Executive Committee of National CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).

Objectives of the Scheme

Enhance monitoring through advanced technology.
Train forest staff to effectively manage human-tiger conflicts.
Collaborate with civil society organizations and expert veterinarians.
Strengthen prey base to reduce tiger attacks on livestock.

Scope and Implementation

80 forest divisions across 10 states selected based on data identifying high-conflict zones.
Around 30% of India’s tiger population resides outside tiger reserves.
Implementation led by Chief Wildlife Wardens of states, in coordination with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
NTCA to submit revised, year-wise financial estimates for CAMPA’s final approval.

Conflict Hotspots Identified

Chandrapur (Maharashtra) – near Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Dudhwa and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh) – sugarcane fields
Areas near Ranthambore (Rajasthan)
Wayanad (Kerala)

Conflict Statistics (2020–2024)

382 human deaths in tiger-related incidents.
111 deaths in 2022 alone, showing the urgency of conflict mitigation outside protected zones.

Institutional Framework

Funded through the National CAMPA, which manages money collected for compensatory afforestation.
CAMPA has supported similar wildlife programs, including Project Cheetah and the Great Indian Bustard recovery.
The scheme was discussed during the March 2025 meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by PM Narendra Modi.

Government Commitment

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, at the India Conservation Conference, reaffirmed the government’s focus on reducing man-animal conflict.
Emphasised the need for a region-specific strategy, tailored to local ecological and social dynamics.
Highlighted site visits to Dudhwa and Kabini as evidence of the government’s on-ground engagement.