Tripura Launches Project to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict
The Tripura government has initiated a comprehensive project to address the escalating human-elephant conflict in the Atharomura hill region of Khowai district. The initiative includes the installation of solar fencing, construction of elephant-proof trenches, and the formation of an anti-depredation squad, a community-based team tasked with managing elephant intrusions, as stated by Khowai District Forest Officer Ashok Kumar.
Wildlife officials are optimistic that these measures will significantly reduce elephant incursions into human settlements along the Assam-Agartala National Highway and the foothills of the Atharomura range. The solar fencing has already been installed in Chakmaghat, Uttar Krishnapur, and South Maharani villages. Additionally, elephant-proof trenches have been developed over a long stretch up to Chakmaghat, and six anti-depredation squad camps have been established in vulnerable forest fringe areas.
The forest department recently completed solar fencing work in various parts of Chakmaghat and adjoining areas under Teliamura to prevent wild elephants, particularly tuskers, from entering human habitations, Kumar explained. The increasing interactions between humans and elephants in the region are attributed to habitat disturbance and shrinking forest corridors.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma mentioned that the department is also exploring the management of an undisturbed elephant corridor across the hills of Khowai, Dhalai, and Gomati districts. This corridor aims to provide a safe passage for elephants, thereby reducing conflicts with human populations. The project represents a multi-pronged approach combining infrastructure, community engagement, and habitat conservation to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
