ABHIJIT KALITA
PALASBARI ,June 2: In the wake of growing concern over human-elephant conflict in parts of Kamrup district, a stakeholder meeting was held at Kamrup District Commissioner’s Office in Amingaon on Monday to review the prevailing situation in the Palasbari and Boko-Chhaygaon co-district areas.
The meeting was chaired by M.K. Yadava, Special Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Assam, in the presence of Palashbari MLA Himangshu Shekhar Baishya and senior officials from the district administration, Forest Department and other departments.
Welcoming the participants, Kamrup District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra expressed concern over the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to minimise loss of human lives and damage to property. He informed that proposals for installation of solar fencing and construction of watch towers in vulnerable areas are being planned to strengthen preventive measures and improve monitoring of elephant movement.
The meeting reviewed the conflict situation in vulnerable areas of Palasbari and Boko-Chhaygaon and discussed measures aimed at reducing crop damage, destruction of property and casualties arising from elephant movement. Deliberations focused on strengthening early-warning systems, improving coordination among the Forest Department, district administration and local communities and adopting technology-based monitoring mechanisms.
Issues relating to timely compensation for affected families and improving emergency response systems also came up for discussion.
Addressing the gathering, M.K. Yadava emphasised the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach involving all stakeholders. He observed that while ensuring public safety remains a priority, equal importance must be given to wildlife conservation and habitat protection. He called for greater community participation, scientific management and stronger inter-departmental coordination to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.
MLA Himangshu Shekhar Baishya also stressed the need for practical and long-term measures to address the concerns of residents living in conflict-prone areas.
Senior officials, including Forest Department representatives, police officials, circle officers and administrators from both co-districts, attended the meeting and exchanged views on strengthening mitigation and preparedness measures.