The recurring rampage of wild elephants in areas such as Krishnapur, Bagber, South Ghiltali, and North Maharanipur under the Khowai District in Tripura has become a persistent issue.
The elephant menace is not just spreading fear and panic but also causing substantial damage to lives and property.
Despite government efforts and certain interventions, these incidents continue to escalate, leaving residents anxious about their safety and livelihoods.
In a latest incident of human-wild life conflict on Thursday evening, a wild tusker entered the remote Chanakhala area in the South Ghilatali Gram Panchayat under the Kalyanpur Police Station.
As the elephant advanced, panic ensued among locals, with residents fleeing for safety. Despite the chaos, local villagers managed to organize a makeshift resistance, forcing the elephant to retreat from Chanakhala and move toward the Utalabari area in Krishnapur.
In Utalabari, the elephant wreaked havoc, destroying a mud house belonging to a local resident. The damage left the affected family in despair, adding to the growing concerns about the socio-economic impact of these rampages.
Upon receiving information, officials from the Forest Department, along with a dedicated team of “Van Mitra,” arrived promptly at the scene.
Their collective efforts, combined with the cooperation of local residents, successfully drove the elephant back into the nearby forest.
Farmers and residents across the affected areas have expressed frustration over the recurring elephant attacks. These incidents not only destroy crops but also result in significant property damage, severely disrupting the socio-economic fabric of the region.
“Every few weeks, wild elephants enter our villages, destroy our crops, and attack our homes. This is not just about fear; it’s about our survival,” said a local farmer.
The affected communities have reiterated their demand for a sustainable solution to this crisis. They urge the government to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to mitigate human-elephant conflicts in the region.
In view of the persistent threat posed by wild elephants experts suggest measures such as creating elephant corridors, enhancing forest cover, installing barriers, and utilizing advanced technologies like drone monitoring to prevent future incursions.
Local leaders and environmentalists also emphasize the importance of balancing conservation efforts with community safety.
“While elephants are an integral part of our ecosystem, human lives and livelihoods cannot be compromised. It’s time for decisive government action,” one activist remarked.
However, it is pertinent to note that the plight of the residents in Teliamura subdivision remains unabated in midst of the growing conflict between wildlife and human populations.
Locals alleged, experts’ suggestions in combating the human-wild life conflict are yet to be implemented. They continue to demand for a permanent solution grows louder.
“Whether through technological advancements, increased patrolling, or community engagement, addressing this issue must become a top priority for the authorities”, local people opined.
(Tripura, Northeast)
