Guwahati: In response to the ongoing challenge of human-elephant conflict (HEC), biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, with support from the SBI Foundation, has installed 13 kilometres of solar-powered fencing in two high-conflict zones in Assam—Baksa and Udalguri districts.
The installations cover the villages of Modahi Subba, Uttarkuchi, Amguri, Diyapara, Odalguri, Bhujel Subba, Silbari, Uttar Bijgaon, and Aliguri in Baksa district, and No.1 Bholatar, No.3 Bholatar, and Neuli in Udalguri district.
In Udalguri district, the solar fencing spans around 6 kilometres, benefitting approximately 160 households and 861 residents. In Baksa district, about 7 kilometres of fencing now protect 370 households and a community of 1,580 people.
Aaranyak had earlier installed similar fencing systems in several villages across these districts in 2023. The fences are non-lethal and designed to deter elephants safely without causing harm, thereby helping reduce incidents of crop damage and property loss. This intervention aims to safeguard both human communities and elephants, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring food security for local residents.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Fencing Management Committees comprising local residents have been formed and trained by Aaranyak’s assistant manager and field expert, Anjan Baruah. The training focused on installation, maintenance, and regular monitoring of the fencing systems.
The fencing work was carried out by Aaranyak’s team members Dibakar Nayak, Jiban Kumar Chetri, Bikash Tossa, Jaugasar Basumatary, Mondeep Basumatary, and Abhijit Saikia, under Baruah’s technical supervision.
Human-elephant conflict remains one of the most pressing conservation and community safety challenges in these regions. Frequent incidents of crop raiding and property destruction have significantly affected rural livelihoods and posed risks to both human and elephant lives. Without safe interventions, such conflicts often escalate, leading to retaliatory actions against elephants.
Aaranyak, recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, continues to work with local communities to implement conflict mitigation strategies rooted in conservation science and community engagement.
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