Baghin Didi Conference at Kanha Tiger Reserve 2026

In November 2026, the Baghin Didi Conference was organised in the Motinala Range of the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh. The conference focused on involving local women in activities related to forest protection and wildlife conservation. It brought together women and young girls from villages near the reserve to discuss their roles in these activities. The initiative is also relevant to the protection of the natural environment of Kanha National Park, which supports different wildlife species and attracts visitors for a safari in Kanha.

Key Details of the Conference

The Baghin Didi Conference brought together 40 women and young girls representing 26 Eco Development Committees (EDCs) linked to Kanha Tiger Reserve. The event took place in the Motinala Range, located in the buffer zone of the reserve in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh. Women and girls from several villages attended the programme and took part in discussions about the Baghin Didi initiative and its connection with forest conservation and community activities.

Eco Development Committees play an important role in maintaining communication between villages located near forest areas and the Forest Department. These committees provide a way for local people to participate in forest-related work, support development in their villages, and promote the careful use of natural resources. They also help the Forest Department understand the problems and needs of people who live close to forests. Through their involvement, local communities can share their views and take part in decisions and activities related to the surrounding forest areas.

The presence of representatives from 26 different EDCs made the conference important for several villages around Kanha Tiger Reserve. It allowed women from different communities to meet, exchange their views, and learn more about the purpose and activities of the Baghin Didi initiative. They also had an opportunity to discuss their duties and responsibilities at the local level.

The participation of young girls was another important part of the conference. Their involvement helped introduce the younger generation to forest conservation and community-based activities. It also gave them an opportunity to learn about the role local people can play in protecting natural resources and supporting forest-related work.

Who Are Baghin Didis and Their Duties?

Baghin Didi means Tiger Sister. It is the name given to local women who are assigned responsibilities related to forest protection and wildlife conservation. They act as local representatives who can communicate with villagers as well as forest officials.

Their duties include informing people about forest-related rules and explaining the problems caused by illegal activities. Illegal tree cutting, hunting, and unauthorised use of forest resources can damage natural habitats and affect wildlife. Baghin Didis help residents understand these issues and the importance of following the rules established for forest protection.

Another responsibility is reporting information about possible illegal activities to the concerned forest authorities. Since these women live in nearby villages, they may receive information about incidents or activities taking place around their communities. They can pass relevant details to forest officials so that the authorities can examine the matter and take action according to the rules.

Their work may also involve helping officials communicate information about conservation programmes and other forest-related instructions. This makes their role different from that of regular forest staff, as they mainly support local communication and the reporting of relevant information.

Women's Role in Wildlife Protection

Villagers living around the Kanha National Park might come across circumstances where wildlife approaches their fields, roads, and villages. This can occur when the wildlife moves around from one part of the forest to another or is looking for food sources. This will call for proper handling, as this can place both the wildlife and humans in danger.

The Baghin Didis can assist villagers in knowing the right course of action when encountering a wild animal in their villages. It would be unwise to get too close to the animal, chase it, or threaten it. They should also not gather around it or try to deal with it themselves. Forest officials who are concerned about this issue must be informed so that trained personnel can evaluate the situation.

Another important concern is the safety of people who may not understand animal behaviour. Children, farmers, and other residents need to know that wild animals can react unpredictably when they feel threatened. Maintaining a safe distance is therefore important, even when an animal appears calm or is standing some distance away.

Baghin Didis can also help communicate information about repeated wildlife movement in particular locations. For example, if an animal is frequently seen near agricultural land, this information can be shared with forest officials. It may help them identify locations where additional attention or monitoring is needed. Such information is useful for understanding local human-wildlife conflict situations and planning suitable responses.

Importance of the Baghin Didi Initiative

One of the main benefits of the Baghin Didi initiative is that it gives rural women a defined role in conservation-related work. Women living near forest areas often have limited opportunities to participate in formal environmental programmes. Through this initiative, they can become involved in activities that are directly connected with the protection of their local surroundings.

The initiative also provides opportunities for women to develop leadership and communication skills. By taking responsibility for assigned activities, they can gain experience in speaking with community members, understanding conservation-related concerns, and interacting with government officials. These experiences can increase their confidence and participation in other community activities.

Another important aspect is the inclusion of women in local decision-making and environmental discussions. Their views and experiences can help bring attention to issues that may affect households and villages near forest areas. This allows conservation programmes to consider the needs of local communities along with the requirements of wildlife protection.

The initiative also recognises that conservation is not limited to the work of government departments. The knowledge and involvement of people living near protected forests can contribute to better local understanding of environmental issues. By giving women an organised role, the programme encourages wider participation in the protection of Kanha's natural resources.

Overall, the Baghin Didi initiative at Kanha National Park represents an effort to increase women's participation in wildlife and forest conservation. It provides local women with an opportunity to contribute through clearly assigned responsibilities while gaining experience in community-level conservation activities.