Herd of wild elephants wreaks havoc in Sonitpur district

Our Correspondent

TEZPUR: Conflict between humans and wildlife is an age-old one. However, due to rapid growth of human population and subsequent reduction of natural habitat, the problem has taken a serious turn. Around 40 to 50 wild jumbos have been creating terror in different belts in Sonitpur district since the last few days. Over the last many years, the problems created by elephant herds have remained unaddressed for the people living in the vicinity of Sonai-Rupai

Sanctuary, Nameri National Park and the sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park and in many villages and tea gardens in the northern part of Sonitpur district encompassing a large area. Jaikishor Jha, journalist and social worker of greater Rangapara area, said that around 40 to 50 wild elephants came out on Monday in search of food and entered 6 no. line, 10 no. line, staff quarters of 42 no. Torajuli TE and Paam Basti villages at Rangapara in Sonitpur district and damaged the houses of Rupa Orang, RajenProja and a few others. Many villagers had a narrow escape from fatal consequences but a substantial quantity of paddy was lost. He also said that that wild elephants had wreaked havoc in various places like Rangapara, Balipara, Garoimari, Ghoramari, Missamari, Chariduar and Balukpong along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Sonitpur district in the past few months. Wild elephants demolished houses and killed many domestic animals. But it is matter of great concern that despite the situation being known to the Forest Department, the department has done nothing in this regard, Jha alleged, adding that people were of the opinion that if any immediate steps were not taken up by the department during this harvesting period, the villagers of the greater area would face a great loss.

Jha said, "The conflict between humans and elephants seems to be a never-ending one. Complete mitigation is a distant and impractical reality. Time has come perhaps to prioritize actions. Some will require bold and tough actions as well as total commitment. Humans can share habitat with some birds, some smaller mammals but certainly not with elephants in smaller pockets. Awareness and motivation are always useful and must continue with the help of local population."

Also Watch: #NewsMakers: Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury, Sec. General Administration, Gov. of Assam, Dispur