Assam: Rising Human-Elephant Conflicts Claim Lives in West Kamrup

GUWAHATI: In the West Kamrup Forest Division area of Kamrup District, the persistent issue of man-elephant conflicts has reached a critical point, resulting in tragic consequences. The most recent incident occurred in Nam Santipur village, where Anil Rabha, a 43-year-old resident of Katahbari Village, lost his life in a fatal encounter with an elephant.

The attack unfolded on a Wednesday morning around 11 am, despite early warnings provided by Robin Rabha from Nam Santipur village. Robin reported the presence of the elephant at 4 am and promptly notified the Forest Department by 5 am. Despite the forest team's efforts in patrolling the area, the elephant breached the defenses, attacking villagers and ultimately leading to the tragic death of Anil Rabha. The incident site is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the West Kamrup Forest Division office.

Another incident occurred in Borkhal village last Sunday night, where Kamaleswar Boro fell victim to an elephant attack. Villagers from Nam Santipur and Borkhal suspect that the same elephant was involved in both fatal incidents, intensifying concerns among the local population. Fear has gripped the affected villages, prompting urgent pleas to the Forest Department to take immediate and decisive action against the lone elephant responsible for the attacks.

In a related development, the Hahim area of the West Kamrup Forest Division, along the Assam-Meghalaya border, has witnessed the tragic deaths of two elephant calves in the last three months. These distressing events further highlight the complex challenges faced by both humans and elephants in the region, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and swift response from wildlife authorities.

As communities live in fear, urgent intervention from the Forest Department becomes paramount to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. The tragic loss of lives, coupled with the distressing deaths of elephant calves, emphasizes the urgency for a holistic approach to address the intricate dynamics of coexistence between humans and elephants in the region.

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