Returning elephant corridors could only end man elephant conflict: WWF
In view of the recent clashes between man and elephant in Assam particularly in Udalguri and Sonitpur district,which had resulted deaths of four wild elephants and five people so far,WWF (World Wildlife Fund ) authority along with a few NGOs organized an awareness camp at Bamunjuli tea garden, near Indo-Bhutan areas on September 21 at 2pm.With the focal theme aware “ Problems and sufferings : an open discussion” ,the awareness camp had been organized by WWF India North Bank Landscape Programme in association with Green Valley Forest and Wildlife Protection Society ( a Nonaipara based NGO,working on the conservation floras and faunas of the region);Harisinga Revenue Circle, Tangla; Bamunjuli Cricket Club and Kalyan NGO of Bamunjuli. Debanga Mahaliya of Rwdwmsa (an NGO working for the protection of animals and birds ) anchored the proceedings while Dithakananda Hazarika,Circle Officer, Harisinga Revenue Circle presided over the meeting. In his welcome speech,Debanga Mahaliya gave in details of the problems relating man elephant conflict in Assam particularly in Udalguri district.
Hiten Baishya of WWF India North Bank Landscape Programme highlighted some of the main causes of the present conflict. He said that human encroachment had compelled wild elephants come down in search of food. According to him wild elephants do not get their daily requirement of 400 kg food in the forest or hills as most of the forests and hills had been deforested. Wild elephants had become quite familiar with human beings because of their unabated settlements in the forests and hills and so they never hesitate to roam in the localities, asserted Baishya. Dr.Anupam Sarma, coordinator of WWF India North Bank Landscape programme in his speech commented that different methods according to the needs must be adopted to minimize the conflict. According to him, the return of the elephant corridors to them could only solve the problem permanently. Senior journalist and Hony.Wildlife Warden Bhargab Kumar Das highlighted practical problems in solving the conflict. He said that destruction of forests had started since 1992, which enjoyed full political patronage resulting destruction of most of the forests in a very short time.
Dr.Buddhin Hazarika,Dr..Khagen Nath,Ananta Bagh,CEO of Green Valley Forest and Wildlife Protection Society also spoke a few words on the occasion.Several persons were felicitated publicly for their contribution in the field of conservation of plants and animals.Rahul Borah,Deputy Manager of Orangajuli TE also attended the camp as guest of honour.
In another incident, one more young wild elephant had been electrocuted at Satgharia village near Hatigarh TE on the night of September 25.According to information the 5.6 feet tall 3-4 years old young tusker was stuck to high voltage electric fencing erected illegally by the villagers. Circle Officer, Harisinga Revenue Circle ( Tangla ), OC Paneri police station; K.Chamua, VAS, Tangla and H. Kalita Range Officer, Nonai Range Office rushed to the spot on September 26.Police said that they have arrested two persons supposed to be involved in the matter. It has been informed that DC,Udalguri had ordered magistrate level inquiry in the matter.