GUWAHATI: Village Defence Party (VDP) members from 38 villages in Assam’s Baksa and Udalguri districts have recently participated in training programs on human-elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation organized by Aaranyak.
The training programmes for VDP members in both the districts were organised on August 1 and August 3 respectively.
During the training sessions, the 126 VDP members, including a significant number of women, acquired crucial knowledge and skills to manage and minimize negative human-elephant interactions. The SBI Foundation supported this initiative.
“VDP members can play a vital role in monitoring elephants in their vicinity and managing HEC alerts besides using non-lethal techniques to ward off elephants from human-use areas. They can also play a key role in educating locals on peaceful coexistence by collaborating with authorities for better conflict management, and promoting sustainable practices,” said Dr Bibhuti P Lahkar, senior conservation scientist of Aaranyak.
Led by Aaranyak’s senior officials Hiten Baishya and Anjan Baruah, the training sessions focused on reducing negative human-elephant interactions, claiming ex-gratia for damages or losses caused by HEC, and implementing effective HEC mitigation measures to promote coexistence.
The interactive sessions featured discussions and evaluation game to create a dynamic learning experience.
The events were graced by Khwmdwn Gura Goyary and Tarun Chandra Baishya, Circle Organisers (COs) of Village Defence Organisation (VDO) and the Officer-in-Charge of Paneri Police Station.
The participation by a large number of VDP members in the training sessions marked a significant step towards community-driven conservation efforts adopted by Aaranyak.
The event was facilitated by Aaranyak staff members Rabiya Daimari, Abhijit Saikia, Mondeep Basumatari, Dibakar Nayak, Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Bikash Tossa, Pradip Barman, Rupam Gayari and Bijoy Kalita.
