Safe corridor for wild elephants soon in state: Animesh

Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Thursday announced that a dedicated safe corridor for wild elephants along National Highway 08 at Teliamura in Khowai District is expected to be completed by next winter.

The corridor, located on the Assam-Agartala national highway, aims to reduce human-elephant conflict in the state, which has a wild elephant population of approximately 40. The elephants are primarily found in the Khowai, Dhalai, and Gomati districts. To mitigate encounters between humans and wildlife, the forest department is adopting a blend of traditional methods, modern surveillance, and community participation.

“The safe corridor along NH-08 is currently under development. We have informed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and they have agreed to collaborate. The project is likely to be completed by next winter,” said Minister Debbarma.

In addition to this initiative, the minister shared plans to upgrade Sepahijala Zoo to world-class standards. He noted recent positive developments, including the successful birth of tiger cubs, as evidence of improved infrastructure and environment at the zoo.

“This proves that Sepahijala Zoo has significantly enhanced its standards and created a conducive habitat for wildlife. More developmental works are in the pipeline to further improve the zoo,” he added.

Addressing the broader issue of biodiversity, Debbarma underscored the importance of ecological balance. “Without trees, there is no life. If our ecological and biological diversity is disturbed, survival becomes impossible. We must undertake large-scale tree plantation drives to secure oxygen and water resources.”

He also emphasized the urgent need to address human encroachment into wildlife habitats. “Conflicts arise when humans consume resources meant for wildlife or encroach upon their land. We must stop these practices and restore balance between human development and nature,” he concluded.