Aaranyak undertakes massive plantation drive to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Assam
The goal is to replenish 100 hectares of degraded forest by planting one lakh saplings of native species, improving ecological connectivity for wildlife, particularly elephants, and mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC).
Aaranyak is supported by the SBI Foundation and is a part of the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) is undertaking a massive plantation drive in the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest along the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam's Udalguri district.
The plantation drive, now in its third year, has seen the participation of forest officials, FXB India Suraksha, the Bhairabkunda Development Committee, and the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee.
On the first day of the third-year plantation drive, 510 saplings of 11 native species were planted, including Outenga, Bel, Kola Siris, Gamari, Bhatgila, Amla, Jamun, Bhomora, Xilikha, Bhelkor, Kum, Odal, and Tora.
The objective of the plantation drive is to promote human-elephant coexistence by securing elephant habitats, facilitating elephant movement, and sustaining the watershed for the region.
Habitat replenishment can have a lasting impact in favor of mitigating HEC, providing a long-term solution to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants.
'The Aaranyak team is striving for habitat improvement and restoring degraded areas under the project to secure elephant habitat, facilitate elephant movement for long-term mitigation of human-elephant confrontation, and sustain the watershed for the region,' said Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist in Aaranyak.
'Raging HEC undermines efforts for conservation of elephants and their habitat, besides affecting the well-being of people. The complex issue of HEC mitigation requires a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholders approach as has been adopted by research-driven Aaranyak,' said Dr Alolika Sinha, a senior conservation biologist in Aaranyak. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Indian Army strengthens veteran bonds through outreach programmes in Upper Assam
Assam [India], August 13 (ANI): In its ongoing efforts to reach out to veterans and reaffirm its enduring commitment to their welfare, the Indian Army has conducted a series of programmes across Upper Assam, including Lekhapani, Digboi and Rupai. These initiatives stand as heartfelt tributes to the selfless service of ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, while addressing their key needs and programme at Lekhapani brought together veterans and their families, offering a range of services including a medical and dental camp, a grievance redressal cell and a daily essentials stall. On-the-spot medical check-ups, dental consultations, advice and medication were provided. A special interaction was held with Assam Rifles veterans, many of whom did not possess Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) cards; they were briefed on its benefits and encouraged to obtain them at the Digboi and Rupai, the outreach saw participation from veterans, including Veer Naris, reflecting the spirit and unity within the military fraternity. A dedicated Help Desk (Information Counter) was set up at all venues to guide attendees on welfare schemes, including those specifically for Veer Naris, assist with documentation such as Pension Payment Order (PPO) and System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH), provide information on employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, and address grievances in a time-bound programmes also served as platforms for regular interaction between serving personnel and veterans, facilitating constructive feedback and strengthening the support network for ex-servicemen. Veterans were briefed on the latest medical schemes vis-a-vis older ones, enabling them to make informed decisions for their health and enthusiasm, camaraderie and gratitude expressed by the attendees underscored the unbreakable bond between the Indian Army and those who once wore the uniform with pride, reaffirming the motto: Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. (ANI)
News18
a day ago
- News18
World Elephant Day observed with a call for human-elephant co-existence
Majuli (Assam) [India], August 12 (ANI): World Elephant Day is observed annually on August 12 to promote the conservation and protection of elephants while addressing the growing issue of human-elephant conflict. The day aims to ensure that elephants can thrive without clashes with human an increasing human population, elephant habitats are shrinking, forcing these majestic animals to venture into human settlements in search of food. In Majuli, a herd of about 150 elephants has been roaming across different chars and chaporis for several years. However, unlike many other places, Majuli has not experienced severe human-elephant Majuli Forest Department has taken special measures to monitor the elephants in these areas and ensure that, if they enter human settlements, they are guided back to the forests. On this occasion, the department expressed hope for a future free from human-elephant conflict, fostering peaceful forest officer, Garmur range, Abhijeet Doley said to ANI, 'Not only World Elephant Day, but every day is important for us. Over the past 2-3 months, we have observed a large elephant herd travelling across the Chapori areas in different locations under the Majuli division. We are continuously monitoring the movement of these elephants and working to prevent conflict situations in the Chapori areas." Abhijeet highlighted the reason for the conflict and added, 'The human population in the Chapori areas is increasing, while protected areas are declining. These Chapori areas have belonged to elephants for a very long time. Since humans have now settled in these regions, I request everyone to coexist with the wild animals."'My message to the people is simple — respect wild animals. I understand that sometimes they damage khutis (bamboo structures) or destroy crops, paddy, and other resources. But somehow, we must try to accept these challenges. We are doing everything possible to minimise such losses. Therefore, my appeal to those living in the Chapori areas is: please respect our elephants and rhinos–they are a part of us," he further added. (ANI)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Delhi: 2 of 6 tiger cubs born last week in zoo die; 4 under close watch
ANI file photo N EW DELHI: Two Bengal tiger cubs have died at the Delhi zoo in the past three days, officials said on Monday, just a week after the birth of six cubs, the largest litter in two decades. The cubs were born to a seven-year-old tigress, Aditi, on August 4. This was her first litter since arriving from the Gorewada rescue centre in Nagpur. The smallest cub in the litter died inside the enclosure on the morning of August 8. Another, too weak to feed, was moved to the zoo hospital on August 9, but died the following night despite treatment. Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said Aditi is feeding and caring for the remaining four cubs, who are under 24-hour CCTV and manual monitoring. 'Supplements are being given to the mother to support milk production. The remaining cubs are active and feeding well,' Kumar said as quoted by PTI. Before this litter, the zoo had six white tigers and seven Royal Bengal tigers. In 2023, tigress Siddhi from Gorewada gave birth to five cubs, the first Royal Bengal tiger birth at the zoo in nearly 18 years, but only two survived. The last litter of six was in 2005, when two survived. The most recent white tiger birth was in 2022, when tigress Sita delivered three cubs, of which two survived. Officials say survival rates in large litters are often low. The Delhi Zoo, which has housed tigers since its opening in 1959, is recognised under the Central Zoo Authority's conservation breeding programme as a centre for tiger conservation and breeding.
