Shillong: Deaths from human-elephant conflicts in Assam's Lakhipur range have hit a record low. Official data shows fatalities dropped to two this year, a sharp decrease from the 19 deaths recorded in 2022. The area near the Assam-Meghalaya border has long struggled with these deadly encounters.
The Assam Forest Department and the group Aaranyak teamed up to stop the violence. They installed 47 kilometers of solar-powered fencing across 18 vulnerable villages. This project now protects roughly 1,440 households from wandering herds. Solar street lights also help spot animals at night.
Local volunteers make the system work. Elephant Conservation Networks and Gaja Mitras alert neighbors the second they spot a herd. These groups share warnings through mobile apps, keeping villagers out of harm's way. Range Officer Moupran Gayon said these efforts "helped minimise human-elephant interactions, particularly during night hours when elephant movement is frequent."
Revenue Circle Officer Sailen Dutta Das wants to keep this momentum going. He gathered various government departments on June 29 to map out a long-term plan. These agencies, ranging from police to the electricity board, promised to coordinate their work. A follow-up meeting is already set for October 2026 to ensure the agencies stick to their promises.
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