Letters to the Editor: Human-elephant conflict: A growing concern

Human-elephant conflict: A growing concern

Recently, on my way to college, I found a crowd gathered around the body of a man killed by an elephant. Thinking on the incident, I came to realize that the pathetic situation occurred because of human-elephant conflict. In recent years, we have seen multiple cases of these conflicts that resulted in the deaths of both humans and elephants. This giant but cool animal is found generally in two continents—Asia and Africa. In India, Assam accounts for the largest Asiatic elephant population after Karnataka, according to the 2017 census. But the increasing problem of human-elephant conflict in Assam has negatively impacted the population of elephants. People try to poison and harm the elephants in order to make themselves secure. Elephants also attack people in the face of a threat, and sometimes rogue elephants attack humans without any provocation. The main reason leading to conflict between humans and elephants is habitat loss. In recent years in Assam, we tried to make the economy grow. The development of infrastructure took place in Assam by building bridges, roads, and buildings, which resulted in the destruction of forest areas. Because of the compulsion to grow the infrastructure and expand agricultural lands, people destroyed forest areas, forcing the elephants to enter the human settlements in search of food and create havoc in the process. Generally, in the winter season, the elephants come to eat ripe rice crops, and this leads to conflict with humans. Apart from the loss of lives, people of Assam suffer both socially and economically too. The men and women of rural areas of Assam live their lives in fear and frustration. The loss of their crops harms them very much economically, as the rural people of Assam are basically dependent on rice cultivation. So destruction of crops will eventually lead to the suicidal incidents of people.

Many people are trying to solve this problem, but we have not seen any kind of effective solution here. The government should demarcate some protected areas and zones to allow elephants to spend their time. The unused lands and areas can be converted into cultivated areas for elephant fodder, which will be helpful for elephants. By this, they will find a solution to their scarcity of food, and they will not enter human settlements. People of Assam should also be careful. They should not attack or harm the elephants. The government should also try to make the people aware and educated enough to deal with such situations. In conclusion, we can say that human-elephant conflict is a complex issue. By addressing the root causes of this conflict, by maintaining sustainability in the environment, and by implementing conflict mitigation measures, we in Assam can reduce the problem of human-elephant conflict.

Sankalpajit Saikia

Nagaon University

India’s remarkable economic ascent

India’s imminent rise to overtake Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy marks a defining moment in its economic journey. This achievement reflects not only the resilience of its economy but also its growing influence on the global stage. India’s robust GDP growth is driven by its youthful population, technological advancements, and thriving services and manufacturing sectors. Initiatives like “Make in India” and investments in digital infrastructure have further bolstered its economic trajectory. However, this milestone also brings challenges. Issues like income inequality, skill development, and environmental sustainability must be addressed to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. India’s rise highlights the potential of emerging economies and underscores the importance of global partnerships. As the world witnesses this transformation, it is a proud moment for all Indians to contribute to shaping a prosperous future.

Uddipta Goswami

Gauhati University

Gutkha ban

Though banning gutkha alone is not sufficient to prevent some diseases, including cancer, it certainly can be a step in the right direction. Various forms of consistently chewed tobacco are almost as dangerous as sustained consumption of gutkha in the aetiology of cancer. Ten Indian states have totally put a lid on gutkha consumption. States like Maharashtra had done away with gutkha earlier, but pan and tobacco mixtures were easily available even then. The ban on gutkha in Maharashtra was lifted for some extraneous reasons, and, in 2015, there was reinforcement of the ban. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, and Sikkim are the other states that have banned the manufacture, sale, and use of gutkha. More and more youngsters are falling prey to gutkha addiction all over India.

A total ban, in a particular area, like liquor bans did in some states, will push illegal gutkha consumption. It is important to note that gutkha, along with chewed tobacco and alcohol, forms a deadly combination whose consumption together leads to a higher number of specific cancer cases and deaths. That head and neck cancers, including that of the oral cavity, are among the highest in the male population in India and are taking a heavy toll on women too is a grim testimony to the above fact. Since ready availability and affordability of gutkha make it all the more convenient to accrue, the only way out is to educate our people, especially the target group, to voluntarily kick the habit.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Urban flooding: A growing crisis

Urban flooding, a critical issue in many cities, arises from rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems. Inadequate planning, encroachment on natural waterways, and reduced green spaces hinder water absorption, exacerbating flood risks. Guwahati, for instance, faces severe flooding due to clogged drains and unplanned infrastructure, disrupting lives and livelihoods. Rising rainfall intensity, fuelled by climate change, worsens the problem, causing damage to property, transportation, and public health. Effective solutions include restoring natural drainage, enhancing waste management, implementing sustainable urban planning, and adopting advanced flood monitoring systems. Urgent action from authorities, coupled with community participation, is essential to mitigate this escalating urban challenge.

Nishita Bora

(nishitabora699@gmail.com)