Assam Launches ‘Gajah Mitra’ to Protect People and Elephants

Assam Cabinet approved a new plan called the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to reduce growing clashes between humans and elephants in the state. The move comes after hundreds of deaths of both people and elephants over the years. The scheme aims to protect wildlife, create safe spaces for elephants, and help villages deal with such situations in a peaceful way.

A New Scheme for Peaceful Coexistence

The ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme, approved on Thursday, is Assam’s answer to the serious problem of human-elephant conflict. The scheme will focus on 80 high-risk areas across the state where elephants and people frequently come into contact. The government will grow bamboo and Napier grass, two favorite elephant foods, to keep elephants from entering villages.

Rapid response teams will also be sent to these areas to help villagers guide elephant herds away using safe and non-violent methods.

Why the Scheme Is Needed

Between 2000 and 2023, over 1,400 people and 1,209 elephants died due to these conflicts, according to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The report says that 626 elephant deaths were caused by human actions like electrocution from illegal or unsafe fences. These fences are often used by farmers to protect their crops but end up harming animals.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the situation has become unmanageable, and the government must act fast to ensure safety for both people and elephants.

Affected Areas and Rising Deaths

Places like Nagaon, Sonitpur West, Dhanasiri, and Karbi Anglong East have seen the highest number of elephant deaths. The WII report also highlights that 527 villages have been affected, with Goalpara being the worst hit.

In some cases, elephants die due to territorial fights (81 deaths) or natural causes (158 deaths), but most deaths happen because elephants are losing access to food and migration paths. This forces them into farmlands and villages, often resulting in the destruction of crops and deadly confrontations.

What’s Next for Assam

The government plans to build sustainable habitats and improve food sources for elephants to prevent them from wandering into human areas. Community participation, through awareness and quick support, will be a key part of the scheme. Officials hope that ‘Gajah Mitra’ will create a model for peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.