Human-Elephant conflict spirals in Assam: fatalities and forest destruction spark fear

Boko, Dec 3: The escalating conflict between humans and elephants in Assam’s West Kamrup and Goalpara districts has taken a grim turn, with multiple elephant deaths and a recent human fatality highlighting the severity of the issue.

On Monday morning, the carcass of a female elephant was discovered in a paddy field under the Bondapara Forest Range near Hasi-Muhipara village. Local villagers immediately informed the forest department, and Range Officer Animesh Kalita and his team launched an investigation. Initial veterinary reports suggest the elephant, which was pregnant, died of electrocution. However, residents allege the death was linked to the illegal encroachment of reserve forests and the widespread use of unauthorized electric fencing to protect crops.

“The elephant was part of a herd of 40-50, and since its death, the herd has been seen roaming within a kilometer of the carcass,” said a local villager.

Arabinda Rabha, a resident of Bondapara, attributed the growing conflict to illegal encroachment in reserve forest areas. Meanwhile, other villagers from Boko accused smugglers of disturbing elephant habitats by mining forest lands at night, using heavy machinery. “These activities are scaring the elephants, forcing them into villages and paddy fields,” one anonymous villager claimed.

The rising tension reached a tragic peak on Sunday when Prafulla Rabha (45) of Belguri village, Rani, was trampled to death by a wild elephant. Prafulla and his son, Bhabesh, were walking to their paddy field when the elephant, believed to have come from the Meghalaya hills, attacked. Bhabesh narrowly escaped, but his father succumbed to his injuries despite being rushed to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).

Residents of Rani, near Assam’s capital, Guwahati, have endured two decades of man-elephant conflict, with repeated fatalities and crop destruction leaving the community in fear.

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Real estate developers, agents asked to register with RERA

Shillong, July 18: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)...

Demand of at least two days of debate on Pahalgam, Op Sindoor: Ramesh

New Delhi, July 18: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on...

IRS officer who arrested two CM’s, resigns from service

New Delhi, July 18: Kapil Raj, a former ED...

Govt asks all schools to get due recognition  

No new school to be opened without prior Govt...

Govt to ask for retransfer of Block I, II to Meghalaya  

Meghalaya awaits Assam’s response on joint border inspection   Shillong, July...

Badminton Asia Junior championships: India begin campaign with 110-69 win over SL

Solo (Indonesia), July 18: India notched up a 110-69...

Shillong Lajong names Birendra Thapa as new head coach

Shillong, July 18: Meghalaya's Shillong Lajong FC has appointed...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img