Assam govt to formulate comprehensive SOP on human-wildlife conflict management

Guwahati, Jul 15 (PTI) The Assam government on Wednesday announced that it will prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) to minimise the human-wildlife conflict for a long-term period. The government has initiated a comprehensive consultative process to develop a scientific and sustainable strategy for addressing human-wildlife conflict across the state, with particular focus on human-elephant conflict and the increasing monkey menace in several districts. It was decided at a meeting chaired by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah with all MLAs, senior officials of the Forest Department and other stakeholders, an official release said. They deliberated on practical and long-term measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict while ensuring ecological conservation. The minister said the discussions focused on identifying region-specific interventions, strengthening coordination among stakeholders and preparing a comprehensive SOP to guide future action. Highlighting the seriousness of human-elephant conflict in Assam, Baruah said nearly 150 people lose their lives every year due to encounters with elephants. Elephants also cause extensive damage to crops and livelihoods across the state, and both immediate and long-term measures would be required to effectively address the challenge, he added. The minister stated that the long-term solution lies in increasing forest cover through afforestation and creating suitable habitats for the jumbos. "The government is exploring the identification of appropriate areas for dedicated plantations and the cultivation of tree species that provide natural food sources for elephants, thereby reducing their dependence on agricultural fields and human settlements," he added. As part of a scientific approach to conflict mitigation, the state has been divided into different elephant management zones based on their populations and movement patterns, rather than administrative boundaries. Separate consultations will now be held in each zone involving local MLAs, subject experts and Forest Department officials to identify the most appropriate interventions for the respective regions. Baruah said these consultations would determine where solar fencing, bio-fencing and habitat improvement measures are most suitable. He said that indiscriminate installation of solar fencing often diverts elephants from one locality to another without solving the larger problem. The meeting also discussed undertaking afforestation in mission mode with the support of various organisations, including forest battalions, the Armed Forces and other institutions. Acknowledging that plantation activities can be carried out extensively in accessible areas, he said aerial seeding may also be explored in difficult terrains where conventional plantation is not feasible. The minister also acknowledged that valuable suggestions were received during the meeting, and all stakeholders have been requested to submit additional written recommendations by July 20 or 21. "Based on these inputs, the Forest Department proposes to prepare a comprehensive standard operating procedure by July 22, incorporating both short-term and long-term strategies for addressing human-wildlife conflict across the state," he added. The issue of monkey menace, which has increasingly affected agriculture and horticulture in several districts, also featured prominently during the discussions. Baruah said the government is examining multiple options to address the problem scientifically and humanely. Among the measures discussed were increasing plantations of fruit-bearing trees and examining the feasibility of scientifically conducted sterilisation programmes. Referring to successful experiences from other states, he said, "Sterilisation has emerged as one possible option that warrants detailed examination. However, any such programme will only be implemented after extensive public consultation and scientific planning." The minister stated that local MLAs have been requested to consult residents in their respective constituencies regarding the acceptability of sterilisation as a management measure. He noted that implementation would require specialised veterinary teams, trained personnel, mobile units, operation theatre facilities, equipment, vehicles and coordinated support from both the Forest and Veterinary Departments. "All these requirements are currently being examined before any decision is taken," Baruah stated. He said that the government is also examining mechanisms to enable faster disbursement of compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflicts. "Under the proposed mechanism, compensation for crop damage would be processed more expeditiously, while in cases involving loss of human life due to attacks by wild animals, efforts are being made to ensure that eligible compensation is released within the shortest possible time after verification," Baruah said. The government is also preparing detailed departmental guidelines to simplify and streamline the compensation process, he added. "The proposed policy framework will cover incidents involving elephants, tigers and other wild animals. Several policy issues, including the applicability of compensation in different categories of forest areas, are also being examined as part of the ongoing consultation process before the final guidelines are issued," Baruah said. PTI TR NN