Nahan: Forest Dept initiates measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts
Nahan: Forest Dept initiates measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts
Pankaj Sharma, The Tribune
September 8, 2024
See link
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/forest-dept-initiates-measures-to-mitigate-human-elephant-conflicts/
for photo.
In a major step towards addressing the rising human-elephant conflict in
the region, the Forest Division of Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district, under
the leadership of Nahan Circle Conservator of Forests (CF) Vasanth Kiran
Babu, conducted a significant outreach and equipment-distribution drive.
The initiative was aimed at equipping both forest staff and local
communities with tools and knowledge to manage the elephant incursions that
have plagued the region in recent years.
Accompanied by Paonta Sahib Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aishwarya Raj
and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Aditya Sharma, CF Babu
distributed safety-equipment kits to field foresters and staff members of
the Majra and Girinagar ranges. The kits included essential tools such as
airguns, sound guns, camera traps, torches, searchlights, sirens,
microphones, trackers and binoculars.
In addition, anti-depredation uniforms were provided to ensure that field
staff are well-prepared for their night patrol duties. Local community
members, who have been actively assisting the department, were also given
the kits, which included torches and educational materials such as ‘dos and
don’ts’ boards. These boards provide important guidelines on how to safely
coexist with elephants and reduce the chances of dangerous encounters.
Over the past few years, the Paonta Sahib Forest Division has witnessed a
notable rise in the movement of elephants from Rajaji National Park into
Himachal Pradesh. This migration has led to numerous instances of damage to
crops and property, and in some cases, even loss of human life. In response
to this, the Paonta Sahib Forest Division, under the guidance of CF Babu,
has implemented several measures in line with the centrally sponsored
Project Elephant.
Under the project, site-specific interventions have been introduced to
mitigate the human-elephant conflict. The Forest Department has emphasised
the need for training and preparedness among field staff, equipping them
with GPS data collection systems, elephant-profiling techniques and camera
traps to make informed decisions about elephant movement and behaviour.
CF Babu announced that the state had been included under Central
Government’s Project Elephant, a total of Rs 89 lakh had been allocated to
the Forest Divisions of Paonta Sahib and Nahan to address and mitigate the
human-elephant conflict, he said. In the initial phase, the Centre has
released Rs 10 lakh for both divisions.
Besides, the newly installed Early Warning Animal Intrusion Detection and
Repellent (ANIDER) systems in the areas of Fandi and Dhaula Kuan were
tested during the drive. These areas have become part of an elephant
corridor, formed over the last 3-4 years due to the movement of elephants
from Rajaji National Park in neighbouring state of Uttarakhand. The ANIDER
system is designed to detect the presence of elephants near human
habitations and farmlands, and provide alerts through sirens and other
mechanisms to deter the animals from entering these areas.
Moreover, the department announced the development of a mobile application
that will send SMS alerts to residents when elephants are detected in their
vicinity. Furthermore, the authorities are encouraging the engagement of
local volunteers as ‘Gaj Mitras’, who will act as intermediaries between
the Forest Department and local communities, providing timely information
and assisting in elephant-deterrence measures.
Specially designated teams have been deployed for night patrolling to
prevent elephants from entering human habitations and croplands. These
teams use the newly provided equipment to keep the animals at bay. The
ANIDER system installed in Majra and Girinagar ranges provides early
warnings of elephant presence, while the SMS-based alert system will soon
provide real-time updates to residents in the affected areas.
During their visit to the elephant-prone ranges of Majra and Girinagar,
Babu and his team highlighted the crucial role of community participation
in these efforts. Engaging local villagers as ‘Gaj Mitras’ is a cornerstone
of the department’s strategy. These individuals will act as the first line
of defence, reporting elephant sightings to the authorities and helping in
the implementation of deterrent measures.