Bishnupur: The residents of Bishnupur in Bijni, Chirang district, are facing growing concerns as wild elephants continue to invade local areas, wreaking havoc on crops and endangering the safety of the community.
The elephants, which have been emerging from the nearby Manas National Park in search of food, are causing widespread disturbances in several parts of Bishnupur.
On Wednesday morning, a wild elephant ventured into a paddy field in Bishnupur, causing extensive damage to the crops. Local farmers, however, responded swiftly and were able to chase the elephant back into the forest, preventing further destruction. Despite their efforts, the growing frequency of such incidents has left the residents in a state of constant alert.
This incident follows a similar event that occurred earlier in the month. On November 17, a wild elephant became stranded in a pit at No 2 Balijan Kathonibasti in Morangi, Golaghat district. The elephant, part of a herd that had entered the area under the cover of darkness, cried out for help as it found itself trapped. Forest department officials acted promptly and, after several hours of hard work, successfully rescued the elephant using a JCB machine. The rescue operation brought relief to both the animal and the anxious residents who had gathered at the site.
The recurring incidents of wild elephants entering populated areas highlight the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. Local authorities and wildlife experts are calling for immediate action to mitigate these clashes and protect both human and animal populations. There is an urgent need for effective strategies to prevent further escalation of such conflicts in Assam.
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