Guwahati: Aaranyak, in collaboration with the SBI Foundation, has launched a multi-pronged community-focused approach aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam.
The initiative combines several strategies, including raising awareness in HEC-affected communities through street plays, promoting alternative crops that are less appealing to elephants, and providing farmers with sustainable livelihood options.
These efforts are intended to reduce crop damage and alleviate the tensions that arise when communities share land with wild elephants.
One of the key events in this initiative took place on January 25 at the 13th Indo-Bhutan Friendship Mela in Subankhata, Baksa district, where Aaranyak organised a street play in collaboration with the Subankhata Bi-weekly Market Management Committee.
The performance, titled “Koka Nati Aru Hati”, was presented by students from Sripanchami Himalee High School in Bhutankhuti, who had been trained by Aaranyak.
The play tackled the critical issue of HEC, addressing its root causes such as deforestation, habitat loss, and the escalating conflict between human and elephant populations.
“The play focused on practical strategies for peaceful coexistence, emphasising the crucial role elephants play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The performance resonated with over 300 viewers, sparking discussions about wildlife conservation and the need for sustainable practices,” said Dr. Alolika Sinha, Senior Conservation Biologist at Aaranyak.
In addition to raising awareness, Aaranyak is promoting alternative agricultural practices in regions most affected by HEC.
These practices involve cultivating crops that are less attractive to elephants, such as Assam lemon, ginger, turmeric, and rapeseed-mustard.
These crops not only provide a livelihood alternative to farmers, whose traditional crops are vulnerable to elephant raids, but also help reduce negative interactions between humans and elephants.
On January 23, Aaranyak hosted a training session at Bongurum village in Udalguri district, where local farmers were taught the benefits of organic farming and sustainable crop management techniques.
The session covered the cultivation of alternative crops, as well as organic farming inputs like Panchagavya, Neemastra, and Beejamrit, which help improve soil health while promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
Farmers were also educated about government schemes that could enhance their agricultural productivity and income, as well as integrated pest and disease management practices.
The goal is to empower communities to adopt eco-friendly agricultural methods that not only boost productivity but also reduce the risk of conflict with elephants.
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Aaranyak’s approach seeks to create a harmonious balance between human livelihoods and wildlife conservation, fostering resilience in communities that coexist with elephants.
The project is led by Aaranyak’s dedicated team, including Abhijit Saikia, Mondeep Basumatari, Dipankar Haloi, Abhilasha Boruah, Dibakar Nayak, Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Bikash Tossa, and Pradip Barman, with support from the SBI Foundation.
By addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of human-elephant conflict, Aaranyak hopes to pave the way for more sustainable and peaceful coexistence in Assam’s wildlife-rich landscapes.
