GUWAHATI: In bid to mitigate conflict and foster coexistence between humans and elephants, efforts have been intensified to garner community support in the vast terrains of West Garo Hills (WGH) in Meghalaya and Goalpara district in Assam.
Under the auspices of the Darwin Initiative-sponsored project, Aaranyak, a biodiversity organisation, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust, recently conducted a two-day training workshop at Borogobal village in West Garo Hills.
The workshop that focused on the installation and management of solar-powered fences, drew participation of 37 villagers, including 17 females, along with members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), village champions, and the village head.
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Anjan Baruah, leading the Aaranyak resource team, delivered insights into the solar fence concept, its diverse types, utility in mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC), and the tagging of equipment within a solar fence.
The second day featured a hands-on session where community members actively participated in the practical installation of the solar fence, with focus on the active engagement of women villagers.
Prior to on-ground mitigation efforts, Aaranyak established a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) in the village, marking the first RRU in the region.
Comprising 30 participants from neighbouring villages, the RRU, supported by a WhatsApp group, facilitates rapid information dissemination about wild elephant movements, aiding timely alerts to villagers.
Baruah explained the RRU’s objectives, highlighting each member’s roles and responsibilities.
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This proactive measure was complemented by a collaborative awareness meeting organised by Rongjuli Range Forest Office in Goalpara district earlier this month.
The meeting involved around 35 participants from various villages, discussing the current HEC status, compensation procedures for losses, and the forest department’s initiatives.
Md. Khalilur Rahman, Forest Range Officer of Rongjuli, briefed participants on departmental actions, compensation procedures, and support provided, including torch lights to select community members.
