Morigaon: The Assam Forest Department has disbursed a total of Rs. 2.17 lakh as compensation to 29 farmers in Morigaon district whose crops were damaged by wild animals straying from the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary during the current financial year 2024–25.
Each farmer received Rs. 7,500 following verified claims of crop destruction in the Mayong area, adjacent to the sanctuary.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Ranger Pranjal Baruah confirmed that the payments were made after farmers submitted formal applications to the Range Forest Office earlier this year.
The damage, reported during the last crop season, was primarily caused by animals such as rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, and wild boars.
Key agricultural produce affected included maize, rice, and mustard, with the worst-hit areas identified as Satibheti and Rajamayong.
To reduce the human-wildlife conflict and protect both farmland and fauna, the sanctuary has intensified its mitigation efforts.
Baruah said that 13 anti-depredation squads have been set up in nearby villages to respond swiftly to wildlife incursions.
These teams, equipped with departmental support and elephants, have played a critical role in guiding animals back into the sanctuary.
“The dedicated teams are not only helping manage animal movements but are also building awareness among local communities about coexisting with wildlife,” Baruah said, highlighting the broader benefits of the initiative.
“This proactive strategy is essential to protecting the livelihoods of farmers who depend on agriculture year-round, while also ensuring the safety of the animals.”
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1998, Pobitora spans 38.81 square kilometres and is located about 35 km east of Guwahati.
It is known globally for hosting the highest density of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, with 107 rhinos recorded in the 2022 census.
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The sanctuary is also home to a rich diversity of fauna, including 22 mammal species, 27 types of reptiles, nine amphibians, 41 species of fish, and as many as 375 bird species.
According to its official data, Pobitora shelters two critically endangered, four endangered, eight vulnerable, and three near-threatened bird species.
Officials say ongoing efforts to strengthen conservation while supporting local farmers are key to maintaining a delicate balance between human settlement and wildlife habitat in the region.
