Boko: The Assam State Forest Department has initiated special measures to promote coexistence between wild elephants and humans in several villages, including Dakuapara, Pakharapara, Chandmari, Sakhati, Mouman Tangabari, Jongakhuli, among others, which are closely connected to reserve forest areas under the Singra Forest Range Office of the West Kamrup Division.
A herd of elephants, including calves, has been grazing in these villages over the past few days, causing disruption to the lives of residents.
Complaints have arisen among the locals regarding sleep deprivation and the inability to engage in work activities, such as tending to paddy fields, as a result of the presence of wild elephants.
In response, a state forest team, led by Ranger Bhargabh Hazarika, launched a mobile awareness unit to alleviate the situation of fear among villagers. This unit has initiated a campaign using a microphone to spread awareness among the local population about the consequences of human-elephant conflicts.
Ranger Hazarika emphasized the importance of maintaining distance from wild elephants to minimise conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants. He urged villagers to promptly inform the forest department in case of elephant sightings to prevent any potential incidents.
“We urge the villagers to maintain distance from the wild elephant so that it will reduce the conflicts and both human and elephant can live without any losses,” Hazarika said.
Despite these efforts, villagers remain concerned about damage to their banana gardens, rubber gardens, paddy fields, and betel nut gardens, which serve as their primary sources of livelihood.
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Some villagers suspected that the herd of elephants may be stuck in these areas due to ongoing expansion works on NH 17, blocking their natural corridors.
Affected villagers urged the state government to devise a solution to guide the wild elephants back to their natural habitat.
Also Read | Assam: Wild elephant herd causes fear among residents in Boko area