Guwahati, Oct 18: In a continued effort to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and
safeguard rural livelihoods, premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in
collaboration with the Assam Forest Department has handed over seasonal solar fences to
communities across three eastern Assam districts of Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivasagar.
These community-managed solar fences are designed to protect farmlands from crop
depredation by elephants while promoting coexistence between people and wildlife.
The series of handover meetings took place during October 8 to 10, bringing together
representatives from local communities, Village Fencing Committees (VFCs), Assam Forest
Department officials, Gaon Pradhans, Village Champions formed by Aaranyak and other
stakeholders. Around 160 participants took part in these events held across the three districts.
One such meeting was held at Padumfula Community Hall on October 8 in the Sadiya
region of Tinsukia district where approximately 6 km solar fence was officially handed over
to the VFCs of Balijan Nagaon, Padumfula, and 1 No. Basagaon villages.
The initiative continued on October 9, at Demowmukh in Sivasagar district where nearly 18
km of fence was handed over to protect agricultural lands in Majumelia, Charagua Grant,
Demowmukh Mising Gaon and Demowmukh Gohain Gaon.
The final handover took place on October 10 at Bezorchiga Community Hall in Jorhat
district where about 30.1 km of solar fencing was handed over to communities of Hatishal,
Bezorchiga, Sagunpara, Major Chapori, Sumoni Sapori and Chutalbagh.
These fences installed strategically along vulnerable crop zones, will be managed by local
Village Fencing Committees to ensure sustainability and community ownership. The
initiative not only aims to reduce crop loss due to elephant raids but also strengthens local
people’s participation in wildlife conservation.
A Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, recognised by the DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India,Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with registration number 3096 of 1989-90.
The events were facilitated by the Aaranyak team comprising Anjan Baruah, Zakir Islam
Bora, Rubul Tanti, Niranjan Bhuyan, Tibrajyoti Gogoi, Deep Jyoti Gogoi, Debojit Gogoi,
Tonmoy Gogoi, Ananta Dutta, Lakhinath Taid, Chiranjeev Kalita and Jiaur Rehmaan.
This community-based conservation effort highlights Aaranyak’s ongoing commitment to
fostering human-wildlife coexistence through practical, locally driven solutions.
