In a significant effort to address the human-elephant conflict (HEC) that has impacted Assam’s Ujani Majuli area, a 9.3 km-long solar-powered fence was ceremonially handed over to the Solar Fence Management Committee on October 5, 2024. This initiative, part of the Wildlife Week celebration, aims to protect local cropland from elephant raids while promoting a peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A Collaborative Conservation Effort
The event, held at Gazera Rangamancha in Ujani Majuli, was organized by NGO Aaranyak in collaboration with the Majuli Forest Division, Science for Social Welfare, Poribesh Bondhu, DONY Green Foundation, and WWF-India. The project is supported by the British Asian Trust and the Darwin Initiative, who have been instrumental in promoting coexistence between humans and elephants in the region.
During the event, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Joyram Baruah urged the younger generation to take an active role in wildlife conservation, emphasizing that their involvement is key to ensuring the long-term success of such projects. He stressed the importance of balancing human activities with the protection of wildlife to maintain ecological harmony.
Empowering Communities with Technology
Aaranyak’s Rimpee Moran engaged with local villagers using an audio-visual presentation to highlight the importance of human-wildlife coexistence. Another important feature of the initiative is the “Haati App,” demonstrated by Rubul Tanti of Aaranyak. This app enables local residents to report HEC incidents and claim compensation for damages to property or life caused by elephant encounters.
The solar fence was officially handed over to the local Solar Fence Management Committee, a move formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of forest officials, members of the Zilla Parishad Committee, and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU). The fence is expected to help reduce crop damage and minimize the conflicts between elephants and farmers, creating a safer environment for both.
Educational Outreach and Tree Planting
In addition to the solar fence installation, the event also featured the distribution of a handbook on solar fence maintenance to raise awareness about the importance of using renewable energy in conservation efforts. A tree plantation drive was also held as part of the event, contributing to habitat restoration and environmental sustainability.
Social worker Renumala Dutta emphasized the importance of restoring elephant habitats, highlighting the need for both humans and animals to thrive in balanced ecosystems. Jayanta Madhab Kalita from Science for Social Welfare spoke about the vital role biodiversity conservation plays in the well-being of local communities.
The event saw the participation of 67 people, including 8 forest officials, marking a positive step forward in addressing HEC and promoting harmony between people and wildlife.
A Path Toward Peaceful Coexistence
The installation of the solar-powered fence in Ujani Majuli represents a crucial development in the fight against human-elephant conflict. By combining modern technology with community participation, this initiative serves as a model for other regions affected by similar challenges. With continued conservation efforts and local engagement, the project offers hope for peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam.
This outreach initiative highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in conservation. The involvement of local communities, along with the integration of technology like the “Haati App,” demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to mitigating human-wildlife conflict while empowering residents.
