In response to the rising incidents of wild elephant attacks on residents in various parts of the Khowai district, the Tripura Forest Department has unveiled an extensive plan to manage and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma announced these measures during a recent press conference, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to protect both human lives and property.
Strategic Measures for Conflict Management
Addressing the media, Minister Debbarma highlighted that a critical meeting involving Forest Department officials was convened to address the issue. A key outcome of this meeting was the decision to seek funding from the central government to support conflict resolution efforts in the Khowai and Gomati districts.
One of the cornerstone strategies involves the creation of elephant-proof trenches. These trenches will be dug along vulnerable stretches adjacent to habitations and agricultural fields near forest boundaries to prevent elephants from raiding crops and damaging homes.
In addition to trenches, the Forest Department plans to establish live fences using vegetation such as Kanta Bans, Agave, Cactus, and Lemon seedlings. These natural barriers will be planted along vulnerable areas near human settlements and agricultural fields to deter elephants from entering these zones.
Anti-Depredation Camps and Volunteer Engagemen
To ensure continuous monitoring and rapid response to human-elephant conflicts, five Anti-Depredation Camps will be set up. These camps will be equipped with facilities like accommodation and watchtowers, enabling round-the-clock vigilance.
A particularly innovative approach involves identifying two hectares of forest land under the Teliamura sub-division to confine the movement of problematic elephants. This area will be enclosed with trenches to prevent elephants from straying. Inside this confined plot, amenities such as water holes, feeding sheds, and salt licks will be developed to cater to the needs of the elephants. This initiative is also expected to become a tourist attraction
In a bid to bolster manpower for these efforts, the Forest Department will engage 50 volunteers from Khowai district. The remuneration for these volunteers will be increased to match that of PL’s wages, ensuring their full-time commitment. Volunteers will be selected based on their physical fitness and age, with a maximum age limit of 45 years.
Infrastructure and Squad Strengthening
To facilitate the free movement of elephants and other wildlife across the NH-8, three spots along the Ambassa-Mungiakami stretch and two spots along the Mungiakami-Chakmaghat stretch have been identified for the development of underpasses. These underpasses aim to maintain the continuity of elephant corridors, thereby reducing conflicts. Proposals for funding will be submitted to the National Highways Authority and NHIDCL in compliance with Forest Conservation guidelines.
The Anti-Depredation Squad will be reinforced with additional Forest Guards drawn from other Forest Protection Units statewide. Newly trained Forest Guards from the Forest Training Academy in Hatipara will also join the efforts as an immediate measure. Additionally, the Forest Department plans to recruit for vacant Mali-cum-Watcher positions as a long-term strategy to address the conflict. Furthermore, the department will procure elephant-scaring instruments for use by the Anti-Depredation Squads to effectively chase away elephants during emergencies.
Commitment to a Sustainable Solution
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and HoFF Dr. Avinash Kanfade, along with other officials, were present at the press conference. The comprehensive plans laid out by the Tripura Forest Department underscore a balanced approach to human-elephant conflict management, prioritizing both the safety of human communities and the conservation of elephant habitats.
