The forest department has initiated the construction of an advanced elephant transit and treatment centre in Hazaribag district to address the escalating human-elephant conflicts in the region. The facility is being established in the Jharpo forest under Tatijharia block, a recognized elephant corridor.
Background of the Conflict
For years, residents of Tatijharia and surrounding areas have suffered significant crop losses, property damage, and loss of life due to marauding elephant herds. Since January this year, six people have been killed by elephants in the area. The new centre aims to mitigate such incidents by ensuring quicker rescue and treatment of elephants that stray into human settlements.
Facility Features
The centre will include trenches to prevent elephants from wandering outside the premises. Two buildings will house forest personnel and wildlife experts. Additionally, a check dam is planned to ensure a consistent water supply for the animals. Forester Vidya Bhushan stated, “The centre would serve multiple purposes, including safe rescue, temporary shelter, and treatment of injured elephants, while also helping control aggressive animals. The entire project is designed to manage both aggressive and injured elephants.” Work began a few days ago and is expected to be completed within six months.
Role of Kumki Elephants
A key feature of the facility will be the deployment of trained kumki elephants. These elephants are widely used by forest departments for rescue operations and handling difficult situations involving wild elephants. Officials noted that kumkis will play a crucial role in guiding trapped elephants out of wells or marshy areas and assisting in controlling aggressive animals. Wildlife experts added that kumki elephants are also used to calm aggressive male elephants, enabling rescue teams to safely control and relocate them.
Vulnerable Region
Tatijharia and its surrounding areas have long been vulnerable to elephant movement, with multiple human deaths and repeated crop losses reported over the years. Elephants enter Tatijharia frequently throughout the year via Barkatha, which shares a border with Giridih and Dhanbad districts.
