Guwahati, Dec 11: A high-level inter-departmental meeting discussed threadbare the rising trend of human elephant conflict (HEC) incidents in Goalpara district of Assam and recommended for a coordinated, science-based multi-stakeholder strategy to mitigate HEC for facilitating coexistence between people and wild elephants.
The high-level strategic line-departmental meeting was organised on December 9 by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Goalpara in collaboration with the Office of the District Commissioner (DC) at the DC Office.
Chaired by Prodip Timung, District Commissioner of Goalpara, the meeting witnessed active participation from key officials, including Tejas Mariswami, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Goalpara; Nikhamoni Kalita, Assistant Commissioner of Goalpara; officials from DDMA, Goalpara, officials from various government departments, representatives from leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, and local NGOs.
Addressing the gathering, District Commissioner Prodip Timung, highlighted the urgent need for a unified and multi-sectoral approach to effectively address the growing challenges of human-elephant interactions in the district.
A comprehensive evaluation of existing elephant movement routes was conducted during the meeting that led to a decision to initiate a scientifically informed mapping, validation and continuous updating of elephant corridors across Goalpara district.
A key decision included the development of an Integrated District Elephant Corridor Map designed to support sustainable land-use planning, maintain ecological connectivity, and improve long-term conflict mitigation measures.
Speaking at the meeting, Anjan Baruah, Assistant Manager, Elephant Research and Conservation Division of Aaranyak, elaborated on the burgeoning HEC issues in Goalpara district and highlighted Aaranyak’s ongoing efforts toward community-based mitigation and harmonious coexistence between people and elephants.
The forum also emphasised strengthening habitat protection-endorsing the expansion of elephant-deterrent plantations in vulnerable zones, including species such as lemon, chili, lemongrass, mint, sisal and thorny hedges. Additionally, the use of beehive fencing was recommended as a sustainable and nature-friendly method to reduce crop-raiding incidents. Increased bio-fencing initiatives around farmlands and habitation areas were also prioritized.
Community engagement formed a crucial part of the discussions. Participating officials underscored the need for regular awareness programmes, promotion of early-warning systems, capacity building for local youth and measures that respect traditional elephant movement patterns to minimize conflict.
Other recommendations included strengthening Rapid Response Teams, intensifying nocturnal patrolling in high-conflict zones and enhancing coordination among key stakeholder departments.
In his concluding address, the District Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to implementing a holistic and proactive strategy to safeguard human lives while ensuring the conservation of elephants.
He stressed that collective and collaborative action between the district administration, Forest Department, DDMA, veterinary services, local communities, and conservation organisations such as Aaranyak is essential to achieving long-term human-elephant coexistence in Goalpara.
