GUWAHATI: In a bid to mitigate human-elephants conflict (HEC), an 11 km solar-powered fence now encircles 17 villages bordering the Raimon National Park (RNP) in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
This initiative, spearheaded by the research-driven biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, aims to safeguard 870 households from the rising HEC in the region.
Implemented in two phases, the installation was orchestrated in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the local community, and the Forest Department of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
To be managed by the trained community members, the solar fence serves as a formidable barrier, precisely designed to deter elephant intrusions while ensuring minimal ecological disruption.
Prior to installation, community members underwent rigorous training in fence maintenance and monitoring under the guidance of Aaranyak’s resource team.
The first phase, initiated in August 2023, saw the erection of a 4-km single-wire solar electric fence, shielding six villages nestled along the RNP’s periphery.
In the second phase, Aaranyak extended the protective solar fence to encompass an additional 11 villages, fortifying the defences of 600 households.
The installation began on January 29, and with thoughtful planning and execution, it was completed by February 12.
The villages of Takampur, Pulodabri, Araisopara, and others, nestled within the Kachugaon Block, now stand fortified against the encroaching threat of elephants.
The indigenous Bodo tribes, predominant inhabitants of these villages, played a pivotal role during the installation process, offering unwavering support and labour to fortify their communal shield against wildlife intrusions.
Among the dedicated Aaranyak team members overseeing the project were Anjan Baruah, Jibon Chetry, and Dibakar Nayak, whose tireless efforts underscored the success of both phases of the Raimona community-managed solar fence initiative.
With the total expanse of solar fencing along the RNP’s fringe now spanning 17.05 km, the region witnesses a transformative shift towards holistic conservation.
