Assam: Human-Elephant Conflict Worsens in Palasbari, Farmers Seek Urgent Government Intervention
Guwahati: The growing incidence of human-elephant conflict in Assam’s Palasbari region has become a major concern for residents, with repeated elephant incursions damaging homes, crops and other property across several villages in South Kamrup.
The affected villages fall under the Rani, Loharghat and Maliyata Forest Ranges of the East Kamrup and West Kamrup Forest Divisions, where locals say elephant movement into human settlements has increased considerably in recent months.
Amid mounting concerns, the Greater Amranga-Borihat Citizens’ Forum has appealed for a long-term solution to the recurring problem. The organisation had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Kamrup District Commissioner, requesting immediate intervention and a comprehensive mitigation plan.
Following the appeal, officials from the Forest Department and representatives of the Citizens’ Forum met at the office of the Palasbari Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) on Saturday. The meeting focused on measures to minimise elephant incursions and explored sustainable strategies to address the growing conflict between humans and wildlife.
Residents of Rangamati, Bhagawatipara, Borihat, Shikarhat, Bhalla and nearby villages continue to face frequent elephant raids, resulting in substantial losses to both households and agriculture.
Villagers have also alleged that regular patrolling in vulnerable areas has been inadequate, making it difficult to prevent elephants from entering human habitations.
According to local residents, a herd of three wild elephants entered Kolitapara in Rangamati on Friday night and caused widespread destruction. The animals reportedly broke into a granary, consumed stored paddy and damaged household structures.
The elephants also breached the boundary wall of one residence before entering the house of Jiten Das, where they reportedly ate nearly 40 kilograms of rice and destroyed household belongings. Another house belonging to Harmohan Das also suffered damage during the raid. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the affected families managed to escape in time.
Apart from damaging residential properties, the elephants ravaged nearby farmland, destroying banana plantations, sugarcane fields and areca nut crops, dealing a significant blow to farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
After receiving information from villagers, personnel from the Loharghat Forest Range reached the area and succeeded in driving the herd back into the adjoining forest.
Residents have urged the Assam Government and the Forest Department to strengthen surveillance, enhance night patrolling and implement effective long-term measures to reduce human-elephant conflict while ensuring the safety of both local communities and wildlife.
