The Assam State Forest Department has implemented special measures to promote peaceful cohabitation between wild elephants and humans.
Notably, a group of elephants, including calves, has been foraging in villages such as Dakuapara, Pakharapara, Chandmari, Sakhati, Mouman Tangabari, Jongakhuli, etc., particularly those connected with the reserve forest areas under the jurisdiction of the Singra Forest Range Office of West Kamrup Division for the past few days.
Upon the elephants’ arrival in the villages, residents faced sleep deprivation, and some villagers claimed they were unable to work for their livelihoods, as they primarily earn wages. Consequently, they refrained from venturing into their paddy fields due to the presence of wild elephants.
To address the situation, a state forest team, led by Ranger Bhargabh Hazarika, initiated a mobile awareness unit to alleviate the fear among villagers. This unit commenced a campaign utilizing a microphone to disseminate information within the communities.
Bhargabh Hazarika, the ranger of the Singra Range, highlighted efforts to raise awareness about human-elephant conflicts. They visited various community areas such as shops, bazaars, religious places, and schools, using microphones to educate villagers about the repercussions of such conflicts. Additionally, they urged villagers to keep a safe distance from wild elephants to minimize conflicts, aiming for peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.
Hazarika also emphasized to villagers the importance of maintaining a safe distance and promptly notifying the forest department in case of wild elephant encounters, aiming to prevent any major incidents.
Nevertheless, residents across several villages are experiencing anxiety over the damage caused to their banana, rubber, paddy, and betel nut plantations, which are crucial sources of livelihood for many.
Residents in the area suspect that the elephant herd has been trapped in these specific locations for the past few days due to ongoing construction works on NH 17 obstructing their traditional pathways. They are appealing to the state government to address the issue and facilitate the return of the wild elephants to their natural habitat.
