Chhattisgarh’s initiative to mitigate human-elephant conflict via ‘App’

 

 

In Chhattisgarh, the Forest Department is implementing several programmes aimed at addressing the issue of human-elephant conflict. These initiatives include raising public awareness about managing interactions with wild elephants. The department uses various communication methods like wireless devices, mobile phones, and public address systems to notify villagers about the presence of wild elephant groups. They also provide explanations regarding elephant movement areas and advise villagers on coexisting harmoniously with the elephants. Additionally, Forest and Climate Change Minister Mohammad Akbar has directed efforts to support families impacted by losses due to human-elephant conflict. This support includes connecting them with self-employment opportunities and utilising various departmental schemes for compensation.

 

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests V Srinivasa Rao stated that due to the favorable habitat conditions and ample food and water resources in State, the elephant population has been steadily increasing. This has led to instances of humanelephant conflict in forested and elephant-affected regions. To manage this situation, the department is actively involved in addressing compensation cases related to human, financial, and crop losses. They are also working on establishing ‘Hathi Mitra Dal’ (Elephant Friend Groups) in affected villages, conducting public awareness programs, and enhancing the natural elephant habitat. Furthermore, efforts are being made to assist affected families in finding selfemployment opportunities following public losses. In honour of World Elephant Day on August 12, Chhattisgarh is organising various programmes focused on raising public awareness about the importance of elephants and their conservation. A notable technological advancement is the implementation of the ‘Chhattisgarh Elephant Tracking and Alert App’ for monitoring elephant movements.

 

This AI-based app, jointly developed by the Forest Management Information System (FMIS) and the Wildlife Wing, has been operational in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve for three months. The app utilises real-time inputs from elephant trackers to alert villagers about elephant movements within a 10- kilometer radius. The mobile numbers and GPS locations of villagers are registered in the app, which then automatically sends alerts through calls, SMS, and WhatsApp notifications when elephant movements are recorded by the trackers. This technology aims to enhance public awareness and education about sharing space with wild elephants and adopting measures to prevent conflicts with them.