In yet another incident of man-animal conflict, a herd of wild elephants caused serious damage to a mud house in Tripura’s Khowai district on Wednesday. Fortunately, the family living in the house managed to escape unhurt by hiding under a bed. The incident, which occurred at Krishnapur village under the Teliamura sub-division, has sparked panic among the residents of the area.
Teliamura has been a hotspot for frequent human-animal conflicts, with several cases of monkey and tusker attacks happening in recent years. The presence of wild elephants in the village is not uncommon, and local officials state that the elephants wandered into the village on Tuesday evening, eventually damaging a part of a mud house. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the attack.
Sadhana Biswas, the wife of the house owner, recounted the terrifying experience, saying, “We sought refuge under our bed to protect ourselves when a portion of the mud wall broke due to the attack by the wild elephants.” Her husband echoed her sentiments, demanding that the Forest Department take action to either keep the village free from wild elephants or relocate the residential area to a safer place.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing human-animal conflicts in the region. Last year, a 45-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by wild elephants in the Khowai district. According to the latest report from the state Forest Department, Tripura is home to 102 elephants, with 42 being wild jumbos and 60 in captivity. A recent elephant survey was conducted, but the final report could not be completed due to the Covid-induced lockdown.
To mitigate such conflicts and protect the villagers, the Tripura government has implemented various initiatives. One such project involves introducing beekeeping in agricultural fields as a natural defense mechanism against elephant attacks, as elephants are known to fear bees. Additionally, the government has focused on growing elephant fodder in the jungles through bamboo and banana plantations and has set up watering holes in the forests.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these conflicts. Encroachment on elephant habitats, deforestation, and the lack of proper wildlife management are contributing factors to the increasing incidents of man-animal conflicts. It is crucial for the government, local communities, and conservation organizations to work together to find sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
In conclusion, the recent incident of wild elephants causing damage to a house in Tripura highlights the persistent issue of man-animal conflicts in the region. The safety of both humans and wildlife should be a priority, and concerted efforts must be made to address the root causes of these conflicts. By implementing effective measures and promoting coexistence, we can strive towards a harmonious relationship between humans and animals in Tripura.
