Action plan to reduce human-elephant conflict on cards
| Date :28-Mar-2023 |
By Kartik Lokhande
Maharashtra Forest Department is thinking about preparing a monitoring, conservation and management action plan to reduce human-elephant conflict in Vidarbha region, which has witnessed several incidents of movement of elephants in recent past. The department is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foundation in this regard.
According to sources, the MoU is likely to be signed with Stripes and Green Earth (SAGE) Foundation, Kolkata. The work of the proposed project is expected to be carried out in Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandara districts of Vidarbha. Under the project, elephant herds will be monitored, conflict hotspots in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts shall be identified, and community-based conflict mitigation strategies will be promoted. Besides, major elephant fodder will be identified and its nutrient content will be estimated apart from identification and mapping of water bodies and other resources. Further, the local community is proposed to be sensitised about elephant and its ecology in the above-mentioned districts of the region.
For the said project, Maharashtra Forest Department shall provide an estimated funding assistance of Rs 1,58,80,542/- to SAGE Foundation. The project is expected to be completed by 2026-27, with year-wise release of payment to SAGE Foundation. The project entails support of thermal drone from Navegaon rapid response team or use of the thermal drone equipment by the foundation team when the herd of elephants moves in Gadchiroli or Bhandara division, and to carry out radio-collaring of matriarch elephant in presence of veterinarian and other field support. The community-based conflict mitigation strategies include crop guarding mechanism. For, the planners feel that the local communities are not aware of the methods of tackling wild elephants. The identification of major elephant fodder and estimation of nutrient content of such fodder, is expected to prepare a baseline database on the fodder species preferred by elephant and would help Forest Department in preparing plantation strategy. Interestingly, it is proposed to form Quick Response Team (QRT) among villagers by the name ‘Hathi Mirtas’ (Elephant Friends) to tackle conflict situation.
The local community is proposed to be sensitised about elephant and its ecology. As the elephant population has settled just recently, the community living in the area concerned are not aware of elephant behaviour, conflict pattern, and how to avoid conflict and deter elephants. Apart from the community, the frontline staff of Forest Department also will be sensitised to tackle conflict situation, training on conflict mitigation, tracking and monitoring of elephants, inspection of conflict zone, management of conflict situation, and dealing of wild elephants. Further, it is proposed to prepare a comprehensive plan in consultation with various stakeholders like farmers, NGOs, and other agencies for long-term mitigation plans to reduce human-elephant conflicts. Under the plan so prepared, measures will be suggested such as bio-fencing, alternate crops, bee-keeping, reducing cop depredation, and helping the local villagers generate additional income.