Tripura forest department strengthens anti-elephant conflict measures in Khowai district through Elephant Proof Trenches, solar fencing trials, and anti-depredation camps to protect villages near the state’s lone elephant corridor from recurring wild elephant attacks and property destruction.
Fresh measures are being introduced in Tripura’s Khowai district to reduce growing human-animal conflict near the state’s lone elephant corridor, with the forest department initiating solar fencing projects in vulnerable villages frequently affected by wild elephant movement.
Forest officials said the latest initiative comes after the successful implementation of Elephant Proof Trenches (EPTs), which have already shown positive results in preventing elephants from entering residential areas. The new solar fencing system is now being tested in selected locations identified as highly vulnerable to elephant depredation.
Speaking on the developments, District Forest Officer Ashok Kumar said the department had earlier dug Elephant Proof Trenches surrounding settlements located close to elephant habitats. According to him, the trenches have significantly reduced elephant intrusion into nearby human settlements.
“In order to mitigate human-animal conflict and keep wild elephants away, Elephant Proof Trenches were constructed surrounding the elephant settlements. After the trenches were installed, we observed that elephants stopped approaching nearby villages. Positive changes were noticed particularly in the Bhumiheen Colony and Chakmaghat areas,” the official said.
The success of the trench system has encouraged the forest department to explore additional preventive mechanisms. As part of the next phase, solar fencing installations have begun in North Krishnapur and South Maharani, two areas considered highly vulnerable to elephant-related destruction.
Officials stated that these villages frequently face crop damage, property destruction, and threats to human safety due to repeated elephant movement. The solar fencing project is expected to create an additional barrier to discourage elephants from entering populated zones.
However, the forest department clarified that the effectiveness of the solar fencing system is still under assessment. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely before considering wider implementation across other conflict-prone regions.
“As per our latest assessments, these areas are among the most affected by wild elephant depredation. Solar fencing is being installed surrounding human settlements, but the effectiveness of this mechanism is yet to be fully tested. We have to wait and observe the results,” Kumar added.
Apart from physical barriers, the forest department has also strengthened monitoring activities in risky zones. Six Anti Depredation Camps have been established in areas identified for frequent elephant movement. Volunteers and forest personnel have been deployed to monitor elephant activity and alert villagers whenever required.
Officials said the camps were initially planned as permanent 24-hour watch towers, but the department later adopted a flexible manpower deployment system depending on the intensity of elephant movement in specific locations.
“Enough volunteers have been assigned to every camp to monitor the situation regularly and maintain constant surveillance in vulnerable areas,” the forest officer explained.
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Human-elephant conflict remains a major concern in several northeastern states, particularly in regions located near forest corridors. In Tripura, officials believe that a combination of trenches, solar fencing, and active monitoring may help reduce future incidents while ensuring both human safety and wildlife protection.
