More than 100 women, along with several men, from areas affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC) in eastern Assam participated in first-aid training sessions organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with the Civil Defence Department of Assam. The initiative, supported by the Darwin Initiative and the British Asian Trust, aims to promote human-elephant coexistence while equipping communities with vital emergency response skills.
The training sessions were conducted in December across various districts, focusing on areas heavily impacted by HEC incidents. These workshops provided hands-on demonstrations of first aid techniques and emphasised the importance of quick responses to injuries caused by accidents, including those linked to human-elephant encounters.
On December 27, a session at Padumphula in Sadiya, Tinsukia district, trained 23 participants, including 19 women and 4 men. Officials from the Civil Defence Department, including Deputy Controller Rupanta Sonowal, wireless operator Manab Jyoti Panging, and volunteer Kaushik Hazarika, led the training. The session included an introduction to first aid, mock drills, and discussions on emergency treatment and basic precautions.
The programme also involved four Aapda Mitra volunteers, who assisted in coordinating the session. Participants learned how to administer immediate assistance until professional medical care is available, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.
A similar workshop was held on December 24 in Jaborchuk Kathoni, a village in Majuli district. The session trained 38 individuals, including 29 women and nine men, under the guidance of Civil Defence officers Eshinul Sofi and Bikash Saikia. Practical demonstrations and mock drills were conducted to ensure participants understood the procedures.
Earlier in the month, on December 11, another training session was held in Konwarbam village, Dibrugarh district, focusing on first aid and rescue. The session trained 69 participants, including 58 women and 11 men. A nine-member team from the Civil Defence Department led by Deputy Controller Raju Chaliha facilitated the programme, with support from volunteers and Aaranyak team members.
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These training sessions are part of Aaranyak’s broader efforts to enhance the capacity of communities in HEC-affected regions. By equipping individuals with first aid skills, the organisation aims to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by accidents in areas where human-elephant interactions are common.
Aaranyak’s team, including field facilitators and village champions, played a significant role in organising and executing these programmes. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical nature of the training and the focus on addressing challenges unique to their regions.
Through collaborations with organisations like the Civil Defence Department, Aaranyak plans to expand its outreach to more HEC-affected areas in Assam.
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