HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 5: The premier biodiversity conservation organisation in the country, Aaranyak, has installed 20 pairs of signages at selected strategic points across Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts of Assam during October and November this year to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC).
Supported by the SBI Foundation, this initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with frequent human-elephant interactions in these areas. By raising awareness levels and promoting safety, these signages serve as vital tools in fostering coexistence between humans and wild elephants.
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The placement of these signages was meticulously planned, taking into account suggestions from Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) members, local communities, and the Forest Department.
These districts are home to critical elephant corridors linking habitats in Assam, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh, making them crucial for the movement and conservation of elephants. However, human activities such as farming, road use, and settlement expansion often intersect with these corridors, creating potential conflict zones.
The signages were installed at specific elephant crossing points identified through ground surveys, historical records, and real-time feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that they are placed in areas of genuine concern.
Designed in English, Assamese, and Bodo, these signages are tailored to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region, ensuring their messages reach a wide audience.
These visual aids serve as reminders for locals and travelers alike, including those crossing from Bhutan, to exercise caution in these sensitive zones. Scientific research supports the effectiveness of such interventions, indicating that advance warnings significantly reduce the likelihood of surprise encounters.
By promoting awareness and encouraging precautionary behaviour, these signages help prevent accidents, vehicle collisions, and other potentially dangerous situations that could escalate into conflict.
The initiative’s impact goes beyond merely alerting people. It reinforces the ecological importance of these corridors, reminding communities of their role in preserving the delicate balance of this shared landscape.
Elephants, as keystone species, play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health, and the protection of their migratory routes is essential for their survival. By safeguarding these routes, the initiative contributes to broader conservation goals, including maintaining genetic diversity and ecological resilience.
Community engagement has been central to the success of this project. Aaranyak conducted awareness sessions and interactive discussions through IEC with local residents to explain the purpose and significance of the signages.
These sessions emphasised how the installations could reduce risks, save lives, and protect livelihoods.
The involvement of the community in the consultation process—from identifying conflict zones to understanding the utility of the signages—has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents.
The installations are part of Aaranyak’s comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of HEC. While signages are not a standalone solution, they form a crucial component of a larger strategy that includes habitat restoration, alternative livelihood programmes, and the promotion of non-forageable crops to reduce crop depredation.
Together, these measures aim to minimise the impact of HEC on both humans and elephants, creating a safer and more sustainable environment for all.
The installation drive was carried out by Aaranyak’s dedicated team, comprising Mondeep Basumatari, Abhijit Saikia, Bikash Tossa, and Pradeep Barman, with active participation from local residents.
Their collaborative efforts highlight the power of partnerships in addressing complex conservation challenges.
As human-elephant interactions continue to pose challenges across the region, initiatives like these signages underscore the importance of innovative, science-based solutions combined with grassroots involvement.
By raising awareness, promoting safety, and protecting critical habitats, Aaranyak’s efforts offer a hopeful pathway toward coexistence, ensuring a future where both humans and elephants can thrive.
