Man-animal conflict in Tripura witnessed a rise, with Khowai district reporting its highest number of such conflicts in three years. Official data shows that cases rose to 188 in 2025-26, highlighting growing pressure on habitats and human settlements.
Key Takeaways:
- Khowai recorded 188 man-animal conflict incidents in 2025-26, up from 134 in 2024-25.
- 175 Khowai families received Rs 27.68 lakh in financial assistance during 2025-26.
- Tripura is using GPS collars, camera traps, drones, Quick Response Teams and community monitoring to reduce wildlife conflict.
Man-animal conflict remains unabated in Tripura, with Khowai district recording 188 incidents during 2025-26. The figure marks a sharp rise from 134 cases in the previous financial year.
Kalyanpur subdivision remains one of the most vulnerable areas. Wild elephants often enter villages in search of food. Their movement can damage standing crops, houses and other property. Some encounters have also resulted in human casualties.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma shared the figures in a written reply to Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman in the Tripura Assembly on August 27.
Khowai Records Three-Year High
Government data shows a clear rise in conflict incidents in Khowai during the latest financial year.
| Financial year | Incidents in Khowai |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 151 |
| 2024-25 | 134 |
| 2025-26 | 188 |
Khowai reported 151 cases in 2023-24. The number fell to 134 in 2024-25. However, incidents jumped to 188 in 2025-26.
The latest figure is 54 cases higher than the previous year. It is also 37 cases above the 2023-24 level.
The concentration of cases reflects the difficulty of managing elephant movement where forests, farmland and settlements exist close to each other.
Other Districts Report Far Fewer Cases
The conflict remains heavily concentrated in Khowai.
South and Sepahijala districts recorded three incidents each in 2025-26. North district reported one case.
Dhalai, West, Gomati and Unakoti recorded no incidents during the same period, according to the minister.
The previous two years also showed a major gap between Khowai and other districts. In 2024-25, Khowai reported 134 cases while South recorded one.
In 2023-24, Khowai reported 151 incidents. North recorded three and Gomati reported one.
Government Provides Financial Assistance
The government has provided financial support to families affected by wildlife-related incidents.
In Khowai, 175 families received a total of Rs 27,68,350 in 2025-26. One family in North district received Rs 4 lakh. Another family in South district received Rs 6,167.
Khowai also received assistance for affected families in the previous two years.
In 2023-24, 137 families received Rs 3,47,500. In 2024-25, assistance went to 142 families and totalled Rs 3,19,000.
The support aims to provide relief to people who suffer losses during wildlife attacks and conflict situations.
Forest Department Strengthens Prevention Measures
The government has adopted several measures to reduce conflict and improve elephant management.
Authorities are creating water bodies and salt licks in areas frequented by elephants. Solar-powered street lights have also been installed in elephant movement zones.
The Forest Department uses hidden infrared camera traps to monitor elephant movement. It has also established camps in vulnerable areas.
Anti-depredation squads have received wireless communication systems. This allows teams to coordinate more quickly during emergencies.
Watchtowers and tree houses have also been constructed in elephant habitats. These facilities help personnel monitor wildlife movement.
Villagers Join Monitoring Efforts
Local communities have become part of the conflict prevention strategy.
The Forest Department is appointing guards and observers from villages. They monitor wildlife movement and alert officials when elephants approach populated areas.
Authorities have also provided vehicles to anti-depredation squads. The vehicles support patrols and rescue operations. They can also transport injured people to medical facilities.
Quick Response Teams have received specialised training. The aim is to reduce response time during wildlife emergencies.
GPS Collars and Drones Aid Surveillance
Technology is playing a growing role in elephant management in Tripura.
Authorities have fitted GPS radio collars on wild elephants. The devices help track elephant movements and provide information about movement routes and corridors.
The government has also procured searchlights, torches, firecrackers and UAVs or drones. These tools support surveillance and emergency response.
Integrated elephant censuses are being conducted as well. The exercise helps authorities assess elephant populations and understand movement patterns.
Habitat Improvement and Fencing
The government is also working to improve forest habitats.
Bamboo plantations and forest enrichment activities are being undertaken through Assisted Natural Regeneration. The approach seeks to strengthen degraded forest areas and improve wildlife habitat.
Chain-link mesh fencing has been installed at vulnerable locations. The fencing aims to reduce crop damage and restrict wildlife movement into agricultural fields and settlements.
The Forest Department also conducts awareness programmes during Wildlife Week. These programmes promote wildlife conservation and encourage safer coexistence between communities and wild animals.
Khowai Remains the Main Conflict Zone: Enewstime Desk Perspective
The sharp increase in Khowai incidents shows that man-animal conflict remains a major challenge in Tripura.
The situation is particularly important in areas around Kalyanpur sub-division under the district, where elephant movement frequently brings wildlife close to human settlements.
The latest figures underline the need for stronger early warning systems, community-based monitoring and rapid response. Better habitat management and improved tracking technology could also help authorities anticipate elephant movement.
For communities living near forest areas, reducing conflict will require continued coordination between the Forest Department, local residents and emergency response teams.
