By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: A national study on human–elephant conflict has revealed that 92 people and 58 elephants lost their lives in Meghalaya between 2009 and 2024. The report attributes these fatalities primarily to habitat fragmentation, shrinking forest corridors, and changing land-use patterns.
While Meghalaya’s figures are lower than those of several other states, the study warns that the steady occurrence of incidents highlights an ongoing challenge. The rapid expansion of agriculture and infrastructure has increasingly pushed human activity into traditional elephant habitats, leading to more frequent encounters.
Analysing data from 16 states, the study recorded 7,868 human fatalities over the 16-year period, averaging nearly 492 deaths annually. Odisha reported the highest number of deaths (1,495), followed by West Bengal (1,306), Jharkhand (1,205), and Assam (1,161). These four states account for nearly 70 per cent of all fatalities, marking eastern and northeastern India as the most affected regions.
Other states, including Tamil Nadu (747), Chhattisgarh (782), and Karnataka (520), reported moderate conflict levels. Kerala (290), Uttarakhand (132), and Meghalaya (92) recorded lower but consistent fatality figures, while minimal cases were reported in Nagaland (9), Tripura (13), and Maharashtra (17).
Beyond human casualties, elephant mortality remains a concern. The study identifies electrocution and train accidents as major causes of elephant deaths in Meghalaya, highlighting the dangers posed by power lines and railway tracks passing through forested areas.
In Meghalaya, the Garo Hills and the Assam-Meghalaya border have experienced recurring crop damage and property loss, causing economic hardship for local communities. In response, organisations such as Aaranyak are working on the ground through awareness campaigns and cross-border initiatives to promote coexistence.
At the national level, the government has introduced the Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2026), which focuses on habitat management and preventive measures. Experts note that despite Meghalaya’s lower ranking in fatalities, increasing developmental pressures necessitate sustained attention to mitigate future conflicts.
