HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 1: In a collaborative effort, biodiversity conservation organisations Aaranyak and WWF-India have successfully erected a 10 km-long, cost-effective solar fence along the periphery of the Central Range (Kachugaon) of Raimona National Park in Assam. This initiative primarily targets the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), with a specific focus on the human-elephant conflict (HEC), and aims to promote coexistence.
Managed by the local community, this single-strand solar fence is expected to offer immediate relief from the escalating incidents of HEC to approximately 568 households, comprising 2700-3000 residents, spread across 12 villages and Chubas – Dumbazar Dumbazaar, Hazariguri, Nandipur 1, Nandipur 2, Gwajanpur, Lotamari 1, Santipur, Hadanpur, Golaipara, Thakampur, Rupnathpur, and Bathouguri.
The installation of this fence commenced on August 11 and was successfully completed on August 29. It is now ready for formal inauguration and handover to the community.
Aaranyak has actively contributed to the construction of 4.3 km of the 10 km solar fence, collaborating with local communities. The Aaranyak team, led by Anjan Baruah and featuring Jibon Kumar Chetry and Ripunjoy Kumar Nath, worked alongside community members to complete the installation.
Raimona National Park, covering an area of 422 square kilometres, is Assam’s youngest and sixth national park. It consists of four ranges: Eastern Range (Athiabari), Sanfan Range, Central (Kachuagaon), and Western Range (Raimona). The park was officially designated as a national park through an Assam Gazette Notification no FRW 02/2021/27 dated June 8, 2021.
