Gaj Rakshak App Madhya Pradesh launched in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to provide real-time elephant tracking, prevent human-elephant conflicts, and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts.
Gaj Rakshak App to Monitor Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Introduction to the Gaj Rakshak App
In a significant move towards wildlife conservation, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has adopted the ‘Gaj Rakshak App’ to monitor elephant movements and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on World Tiger Day, July 29, 2025, in Bhopal, this initiative aims to enhance the safety of both elephants and local communities.
Features and Functionality of the App
The Gaj Rakshak App is a comprehensive tool designed for real-time tracking of elephants. Key features include:
- Real-Time Tracking: Provides live locations of elephant herds across Madhya Pradesh.
- Custom Alerts: Users can define a safe radius (1–10 km) and receive notifications when elephants enter this zone.
- Multi-Channel Notifications: Alerts are sent via push notifications, SMS, voice calls, or siren triggers, based on user preferences.
- Offline Mode: The app functions even in low-network areas, ensuring continuous monitoring.
- Reporting Mechanism: Users can submit photos, voice notes, or text reports of elephant sightings with ease.
Developed in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Kalpvag Company, the app serves as a vital tool in wildlife conservation efforts.
Expansion and Training Initiatives
Following its successful implementation in Bandhavgarh, the Gaj Rakshak App is being extended to other regions, including Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve and various districts such as Anuppur, Sidhi, Singrauli, Satna, Umaria, and Dindori. To ensure effective utilization, a dedicated training program for forest officials was conducted from September 26–29, 2025.
Impact on Human-Elephant Conflict
The introduction of the Gaj Rakshak App is expected to significantly reduce human-elephant conflicts by providing timely alerts to villagers, enabling them to take preventive measures. This proactive approach not only ensures the safety of human populations but also contributes to the protection of elephants, fostering a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
Why This News is Important
Relevance to Government Exam Aspirants
Understanding the implementation of technological solutions in wildlife conservation is crucial for students preparing for government exams, especially those focusing on environmental science, technology, and rural development. The Gaj Rakshak App exemplifies the integration of technology in addressing ecological challenges, a topic frequently covered in various competitive exams.
Historical Context
Evolution of Elephant Populations in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a resurgence in its elephant population. In 2018, a herd of 40–45 elephants migrated from Chhattisgarh to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, marking the return of elephants to the region after over a century. By March 2024, the population had grown to approximately 55 elephants. This increase has led to more frequent human-elephant interactions, necessitating innovative solutions like the Gaj Rakshak App to manage and mitigate conflicts.
Key Takeaways from “Gaj Rakshak App to Monitor Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Gaj Rakshak App enables real-time tracking of elephant herds, enhancing monitoring and safety measures. |
| 2 | The app sends multi-channel alerts to users, including SMS, push notifications, voice calls, and sirens, based on user preferences. |
| 3 | Offline functionality ensures continuous operation in low-network areas, providing uninterrupted service. |
| 4 | The app has been extended to other regions, including Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve and various districts, following its success in Bandhavgarh. |
| 5 | A dedicated training program for forest officials was conducted to ensure effective utilization of the app. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Gaj Rakshak App?
The Gaj Rakshak App is a mobile application designed to monitor elephant movements in real time to reduce human-elephant conflicts in Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves.
2. Which tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh first implemented the Gaj Rakshak App?
The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was the first to implement the Gaj Rakshak App.
3. Who inaugurated the Gaj Rakshak App?
The app was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on World Tiger Day, July 29, 2025.
4. What features does the Gaj Rakshak App offer for users?
The app provides real-time tracking, custom alerts (1–10 km radius), multi-channel notifications (SMS, calls, push notifications, siren triggers), offline functionality, and a reporting mechanism with photos, texts, or voice notes.
5. Which organizations collaborated to develop the Gaj Rakshak App?
It was developed jointly by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Kalpvag Company.
6. How does the app help in reducing human-elephant conflicts?
By sending timely alerts to villagers and forest officials when elephants enter certain zones, allowing preventive measures to be taken.
7. In which other areas is the Gaj Rakshak App being expanded?
It is being extended to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve and districts including Anuppur, Sidhi, Singrauli, Satna, Umaria, and Dindori.
8. When was the training program for forest officials conducted?
The training program was conducted from September 26–29, 2025, for effective use of the app.
9. How has the elephant population changed in Bandhavgarh?
Elephants returned to Bandhavgarh in 2018 after over a century, growing from 40–45 in 2018 to approximately 55 by March 2024.
10. Why is knowledge of the Gaj Rakshak App important for government exams?
It demonstrates technological intervention in wildlife conservation, a topic relevant to environmental studies, general awareness, and current affairs sections of exams like IAS, PCS, Banking, and Defence services.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
