On guard

Communities in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh reduce human-elephant conflicts using technology and proactive on-ground monitoring

- PURUSOTTAM THAKUR AND VIVEK MISHRA

IN THE heart of the dense forests of Chhattisgarh, an important initiative is underway to safeguard elephants and the human settlements living on the fringes. This unique endeavour involves members of the local community, known as hathi mitras or friends of elephants, who work round the clock to maintain a vigilant watch on the movement of the elephants and warn village residents if the animal is in close proximity.

Jitendra Kunjam, a hathi mitra stationed at the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve that spreads across Gariaband and Dhamtari districts, shares his recent experiences. For the past two months, elephants have been residing within the forest, feeding on roots, bamboos and lush green leaves. During a recent expedition, Kunjam, along with fellow trackers, encountered elephants from a safe distance as they rested in the afternoon shade.

"Elephants are not typically found in the reserve. So when a herd of 20-30 elephants migrated from Odisha to our forests in 201920, we were tasked with monitoring their movements," says Narendra Mandavi, who earlier used to monitor forest fires.

"Due to the overpopulation of elephants in Odisha's forests, we are witnessing their displacement to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Such displacements often lead to conflicts, as people attack the elephants out of fear, prompting aggressive behaviour from the animals. The hathi mitra initiative that was started in 2021 has played a crucial role in preventing such conflicts," says Varun Kumar Jain, deputy director of the tiger reserve. He adds that the reserve can accommodate around 200 elephants.