Assam Adopts Zone-wise Strategy to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict

Why in the News?

The Assam Government has proposed a zone-wise strategy to tackle the growing human-elephant conflict and monkey menace through habitat restoration, technology-driven solutions, and community-based interventions.

More About the News

Human-wildlife conflict has emerged as one of the biggest conservation challenges in Assam. Rapid habitat loss, fragmentation of elephant corridors, and expanding human settlements have increased encounters between wildlife and people. To address this issue, the State Government is preparing a comprehensive, science-based action plan.

Key Highlights

• The Forest Department held consultations with legislators from affected districts to formulate both short-term and long-term mitigation strategies.
• The government plans to divide affected areas into different conflict zones, with each zone receiving interventions based on local ecological conditions.
• Legislators have been asked to submit recommendations before the government prepares a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for coordinated implementation.

Proposed Strategy

• Habitat restoration through large-scale afforestation will be the primary long-term solution to reduce human-elephant conflict.
• Elephant-friendly plantations will be developed in suitable areas to improve food availability and restore natural habitats.
• Solar fencing and bio-fencing will be adopted as short-term, non-lethal conflict mitigation measures based on local requirements.
• The Forest Department is exploring drone-based seed dispersal to increase forest cover in inaccessible areas.
• Plantation drives will be carried out in mission mode with support from government agencies and organisations, including the Indian Army.

Monkey Menace

• The government is considering the plantation of fruit-bearing trees to provide a sustainable food source for monkeys and reduce crop raids.
• A proposal for the scientific sterilisation of the Assamese Macaque is under examination to manage its increasing population.

Significance of the Initiative

• Promotes science-based management of human-wildlife conflict.
• Strengthens elephant habitat conservation and restoration of wildlife corridors.
• Encourages the use of technology such as drones for ecological restoration.
• Enhances community participation in wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
• Supports sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife while protecting biodiversity.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to human-elephant conflict in India, consider the following statements:

1. Project Elephant was launched to conserve elephants and their habitats.
2. Habitat restoration and protection of elephant corridors are long-term measures to reduce conflict.
3. Solar fencing is commonly used as a non-lethal conflict mitigation measure.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
• (d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

A zone-wise, science-based strategy integrating habitat restoration, technology, and community participation can help Assam reduce human-wildlife conflict while ensuring the long-term conservation of elephants and other wildlife.