Underpasses, Anti-Depredation Camps to prevent man-elephant conflict: Animesh

To prevent man-elephant conflict in Tripura, the Forest Department has undertaken a series of initiatives, including developing underpasses for the free movement of wild elephants at five spots along National Highway 8.

Speaking with reporters, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said that people in Khowai Districts are facing severe problems from elephants and the man-elephant conflict is a pressing issue that poses a significant challenge for the forest department.

He mentioned that a recent meeting was held with all the forest officials to discuss how to prevent the man-elephant conflict, and after a four-hour-long brainstorming session, a series of decisions were made.

"The Forest Department in Khowai and Gomati was asked to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to send to the Centre through the state, seeking funds. Elephants have specific paths they always follow, so we will use Elephant Proof Trenches, which will be dug in vulnerable stretches adjacent to habitations and agricultural fields, along with live fences of agave, cactus and lemon seedlings, which will be planted to keep the elephants away," he said.

The Minister further stated that five Anti-Depredation Camps will be established with facilities like accommodation and watch towers to maintain a round-the-clock watch over the human-elephant conflict. The Anti-Depredation Squad will be strengthened with more Forest Guards drawn from other Forest Protection Units across the state and the trained Forest Guards who are about to graduate from the Forest Training Academy, Hatipara, as an immediate measure to control the human-elephant conflict.

Initiatives will also be taken to recruit for the vacant posts of Mali-cum-Watcher under the Forest Department as a long-term measure to tackle the human-elephant conflict in the State.

He said that three spots have been identified along NH-8 (Ambassa - Mungiakami stretch in Khowai District) and two more spots at Mungiakami - Chakmaghat in the same district stretch for the development of underpasses for the free movement of elephants and other wild animals across the highway.

“This initiative is to ensure the continuity of the elephant corridor and to find an effective solution to the human-elephant issue in the State. Proposals will be sent to NH/NHIDCL for funding under compliance with FC guidelines. Elephant scaring instruments will be procured for use by Anti-Depredation Squads to chase away problem elephants in emergent situations,” he added.