Experts to help tackle man-elephant conflict near border

GUWAHATI: The Assam forest department will take the help of experts in mitigating human-elephant conflict along the Meghalaya border even as the root of the problem lies in the growing encroachment inside Goalpara forest division.

A tusk-less male elephant, suspected to be one of the 50 migratory elephants from Garo Hills and referred to by some “terrorized” residents as “Laden”, has trampled to death at least six persons to death in five months.

“We have been on round-the-clock vigil for several weeks now and have tried our best to cordon off and keep this solitary elephant within the reserve forest. Now we will consult and take suggestions from experts – Kaushik Baruah and Kushal Kumar Sarma – who will be in Dhupdhara by Tuesday,” Goalpara divisional forest officer, A. Goswami told The Shillong Times on Thursday.

A woman was injured on Thursday morning after she came in contact with an elephant at Ganeshjuli in the Dhupdhara area of Goalpara district.

“In all probability, this is same elephant (Laden) that has adapted well to the forest environment. The woman had ventured into the elephant’s territory this morning when the animal was returning to the wilds this morning. This apparently led to the conflict. According to the ranger, she has a fractured leg and is under treatment,” Goswami said.

“The elephant therefore should be left to itself inside the forest. But despite sustained awareness programmes from the department’s side, people refuse to learn and venture into the wilds. It is here the conflict starts,” the DFO said.


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