HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 26: Aaranyak, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department, has established seven Rapid Response Units (RRUs) in the eastern districts of Assam, namely Majuli, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia, to address the growing issue of human-elephant conflict (HEC). These RRUs, comprising community members, aim to act as an early warning system to mitigate conflicts between humans and elephants and promote coexistence in the affected areas.
The RRUs will closely monitor elephant movements and promptly inform nearby villages via WhatsApp, thereby creating an efficient community guarding system. The first RRU was set up on July 5 in the Ujoni Majuli area of Majuli district, with 58 community members from various HEC-affected villages actively participating.
The subsequent RRUs were established through extensive community consultations in Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Tinsukia districts, with a total of 215 community members volunteering for the initiative.
Key officials and dignitaries from Aaranyak, including Anjan Baruah and Rubul Tanti, sensitised the villagers about the impact of HEC on both elephants and people in the affected areas. They highlighted the significance of proactive RRUs in mitigating conflicts and promoting coexistence. Aaranyak’s Village Champions, along with voluntary Village Defense Parties’ members formed by the government, were also actively involved in the establishment of these RRUs.
The RRUs, with an assigned spokesperson each, will work closely with various stakeholders and coordinate efforts with Aaranyak’s core team. The ultimate goal is to reduce negative interactions between elephants and communities, fostering a harmonious relationship and sustainable coexistence in the region.
