GUWAHATI: In an effort to address the persistent human-elephant conflict (HEC) in the state, a biodiversity conservation organisation has adopted an innovative strategy involving the installation of LED lights in affected areas.
The initiative, led by Aaranyak and supported by the SBI Foundation, involves the installation of solar-operated standalone blinking LED lights strategically positioned to deter elephants from crop raiding and entering human habitats.
These lights, equipped with two LEDs powered by an inbuilt lithium-ion battery and charged by solar panels, emit flashing lights at regular intervals, creating the illusion of human presence without causing any harm to the elephants.
The recent installation of 10 solar-powered LED lights along the Nonai riverbank in No.1 Garuajhar and Uttar Garuajhar villages, Udalguri district, marks the commencement of the initiative.
Positioned around 200 meters apart on eight-feet high bamboo poles with iron mounts, these lights aim to safeguard paddy fields and residences, benefiting approximately 500 families residing in the area.
The strategic placement of these LED lights was determined through a joint survey conducted by Aaranyak staff and the local community, identifying specific points along elephant migration routes prone to human-elephant conflict.
The local community played a pivotal role in the installation process and has taken responsibility for the upkeep of the LED lights.
This initiative builds upon previous successful installations, such as the five LED lights deployed in Hastinapur village, Baksa district, in October 2023.
The ongoing plan involves the installation of 40 LED lights across Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts, targeting key areas along elephant migration routes, including No. 1 and No. 2 Bholatar in Udalguri, Hedayetpur and Hastinapur in Baksa, and No. 2 Dongargaon in Tamulpur.
Through the deployment of solar-powered LED lights, Aaranyak aims to not only mitigate human-elephant conflict but also promote peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
