In the wake of escalating human-elephant conflicts in the Teliamura subdivision of Khowai District in Tripura, the Forest Department has launched a significant operation. The mission’s objective is to fit a radio collar on a particularly aggressive wild elephant named Moti, who has been wreaking havoc in the region.
The residents of Uttar Maharani, Kapali Basti, and other areas within the subdivision have been living in fear due to frequent wild elephant attacks. These incidents have led to multiple fatalities and extensive property damage, including the destruction of homes and crops. The government’s alleged inaction has led to widespread frustration among locals, prompting them to resort to protests, road blockades, and deputations.
Moti, the wild elephant at the center of this crisis, has been identified as a significant threat. Reports suggest that Moti is responsible for several recent fatalities, making the elephant a primary focus of the Forest Department’s efforts.
The operation, which commenced on Sunday morning, aims to fit Moti with a radio collar to track its movements. This tracking will enable the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate the human-elephant conflict. The operation spans a vast area, including the Atharamura jungle, DM Colony, and Uttar Maharanipur, and will continue until the successful fitting of the radio collar on Moti, Forest Officials said.
The operation’s successful completion is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the human-elephant conflict in the region. By monitoring Moti’s movements, the Forest Department hopes to take proactive measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of local residents.
The operation is being led by a team of forest officials, veterinarians, and wildlife experts. The key members of the team include:
- Dr. Kaushal Kanwar Sharma, a Padma Shri Awardee and the Dean of the Veterinary College, Assam
- Dr. R.K. Samal, an IFS officer and the Principal Chief Wildlife Warden of the Tripura Forest Department
- Dr. Akshay Borde, an IFS officer and the Khowai District Forest Officer
The team is committed to ensuring the operation’s success and working towards a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict in the region.
