Guwahati, Dec 2: In order to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) in areas experiencing regular night- time movements of wild elephants, premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org ) , with the support of the SBI Foundation (SBIF), has installed 20 solar street lights in a number of villages across Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri districts during the last week of November.
The intervention covers Mwithabari, Habranguri, Simlabari, and Daoraibari villages in Baksa; Hajwgudi, Khoirajuli, and Santipur in Tamulpur; and Jorpukhuri, Nunaikhuti, NC Orangajuli and Saglijhar in Udalguri district.
These villages are located close to traditional elephant movement routes, where low visibility after dark often limits mobility and increases the risk of unexpected encounters.
Lights have been placed along vulnerable zones such as key approach roads, pathways to agricultural fields, road bends, and community gathering points to ensure clearer visibility at night.
By illuminating the surroundings, villagers can monitor elephant movements more easily and thereby reduce chances of accidental encounters with the animals that may lead to harm, while also boosting locals’ confidence and preparedness for HEC mitigation.
The improved lighting supports both HEC mitigation and daily activities, allowing children, farmers, and essential workers to move safely after dark. With better visibility, communities feel more at ease at night, and local volunteers involved in monitoring movement of wild elephants can coordinate more effectively.
Overall, the solar lights strengthen night-time safety and contribute to more secure and sustainable coexistence in these areas.
The installation was carried out with assistance from Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) members, local residents, Forest Department officials, and SSB personnel coordinated by Aaranyak’s dedicated team.
The initiative reflects a strong collaborative effort to address safety requirements in high-conflict zones.
