In the initial phase of this project, the authorities in collaboration with the Pune-based Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS), will deploy volunteers in the reserve area till September to tide over the monsoon season when the risk of poaching and encroachments increases.

The objective is to not only improve patrolling, but also allow volunteers to experience the life of a forest officer, K P Singh, field director of Melghat Tiger Reserve told TOI on Thursday.

"We have very limited staff. Moreover, many forest guards have been given several responsibilities, including those related to conservation and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. We could do with a few more hands for patrolling duties. The volunteers will be deployed in the multiple-use zone in the Jarida range, which share its borders with Madhya Pradesh. They will help in patrolling the fringe areas of the reserve. Volunteers who show potential and inclination can also be absorbed for additional duties in the deeper forest area," he said.

According to Jayant Kulkarni, executive director (conservation) at WRCS, the project, which is funded by WWF-India, allows all wildlife lovers to contribute towards its conservation.

"Every tiger reserve has its problems. Due to the large area in Melghat, forest officials need help in patrolling. The volunteers are being deployed for one week in batches of 10-12 at a time, with two volunteers at each of the six monitoring posts in the region," he said.

Kulkarni also said that the volunteers are being trained and guided by the forest officers. "Their presence motivates the field staff and makes the volunteers appreciate the difficulties and challenges in wildlife conservation. We have received good response from nature lovers who want to experience what it feels like to stay in the forest while contributing to nature conservation, as well as youngsters who want to pursue a career in ecology and wildlife conservation," he said. He encouraged more people to enrol.

Aniruddha Ghude, a chartered account and wildlife lover, who recently participated in the project, said it was a learning experience for him.

"Every moment I spent in the jungle was a new experience. Interacting with the forest guards at the base camp was insightful as I came to know a lot about the jungle and the local culture. It also made me more aware about nature and my responsibility towards wild animals," he said.

Nestled in the Satpuda hill ranges, Melghat Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra.