Man-Elephant conflict takes another life in Udalguri District

Guwahati/Udalguri: In yet another incident of man-elephant conflict, one Alfash Orang (30) was trampled to death by a wild jumbo in 13 no. Line area of Bhutiachang Tea garden under Paneri Police Station in Udalguri district.

The incident reportedly took place along the Indo-Bhutan border on Wednesday morning. Although the person was rushed to GMCH, he succumbed to his injuries the mid-way and was declared brought dead.

It may be mentioned that the continuing man-elephant conflict has taken a serious turn in Udalguri district since last few months. Reportedly, at least four human beings and a wild elephant lost their lives in the district in the month of October.

Speaking to The Sentinel, Divisional Forest Officer Dhansiri, Madhurjya Sarma said, “The movement of elephant herds has been rampant in the reserve forest as the encroachment in the southern belt is massive and the herd is heading through that area since last few weeks.”

Sarma also mentioned that since 90’s encroachment in the region was so rampant that the grassland got destroyed by the human habitat. “At least 1,635-hectare areas of forest land have been encroached by people, all the sheltering places were destroyed,” added Sarma.

He further stated that around 150 elephant herds found marauding in the region and were spotted by the local people recently.

It may be noted that as per eyewitnesses in some areas these elephant travel in a group of 60 and in some other places they are 70 in numbers.

Sarma while talking about the last census report of the elephant herds informed that there are at least 167 elephants in the region. Out of which 20 to 25 are permanent and the rest others are migratory.

Forest officials also informed that since last 10 to 15 days, the elephant herds have been heading from Tamulpur to Baksa region. “As per our latest report the elephant herds are now moving towards east near Bhairav Kunda,” Sarma added further.

Meanwhile, Sarma stated that he will appraise the matter to the higher authorities for chalking out mitigating measures.

He also said forest department lacks necessary manpower and he will seek the help of the villagers and nature loving youths by distributing flashlights and necessary gears to monitor the movement of herds specifically in the post-harvesting season which witnesses rising cases of human casualties.