Assam Forest Department initiated steps to curb man-elephant conflict in state

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The recent incidents of wild elephants entering human habitations, damaging houses, crops and even killing people in various areas of Assam are being viewed with concern by the state government. As a result, the state's Forest Department has initiated some short-term and long-term measures to prevent such incidents of man-elephant conflict.

According to Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, the causes behind the man-elephant conflict need to be analysed properly. He accepted that the fact that many of the jungles and corridors used by the pachyderms have been encroached upon by people. As a result, the animals have been forced to venture into human habitations in search of food.

Patowary said that the government has chalked out two measures to curb the problem. First, the corridors used for movement by elephants will be freed from encroachment and, second, the Forest Department has been asked to plant profuse quantities of banana and elephant apple (ou-tenga) plants because these are among the favourite foods of elephants.

Patowary further said that Anti-Depredation Squads have been formed so that these teams can be rushed to any area as and when required. Solar-powered fences have been also erected on certain fringe areas between forests and villages, he said, adding that trenches have been dug in various areas to prevent the entry of elephants into human habitations. The Forest Minister said that water holes have been also dug in forest areas to ensure that elephants do not stray into human habitations in search of water.

Meanwhile, sources said that more than 800 people have been killed by elephants in the state over the last ten years, besides a huge quantum of houses and crops being destroyed as a result of the conflict.

The sources said that another factor for the increase in man-elephant conflict is encroachment into jungle areas by people as a result of rise in population, and a corresponding rise in the elephant population coupled with shrinkage of their habitat. The estimated population of elephants in Assam is 5,800, the sources said, adding that many other herds of elephants also enter Assam from the hills of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.

Also Read:  Assam : Two More Deaths Reported In The Ongoing Human-Elephant Conflict

 Also Watch: