Assam Launches ‘Gaja Mitra’ Initiative to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict
Why in News?
- Assam government introduced the ‘Gaja Mitra‘ program, aiming to address the escalating human-elephant conflicts in the state. This initiative focuses on safeguarding both local communities and the elephant population by implementing ecological restoration, technological advancements, and community engagement strategies.
Important Key Points:
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Targeted Districts: The program is being implemented in five districts significantly affected by human-elephant conflicts: Goalpara, Baksa, Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Nagaon.
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Ecological Restoration: Efforts include creating greener and more hospitable forests to ensure elephants have sufficient food and migratory corridors, reducing their need to enter human settlements.
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Technological Integration: Deployment of AI-powered camera traps throughout forests to detect elephant movements and send real-time alerts to nearby villages, allowing communities to prepare or evacuate if necessary.
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Community Engagement: Formation of ‘Gaja Mitra’ teams comprising trained local volunteers to raise awareness, respond to alerts, and serve as vital links between forest departments and villagers.
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Addressing Previous Oversights: Following public outcry over the initial exclusion of Golaghat district—a region severely affected by human-elephant conflicts—the government has now included it in the ‘Gaja Mitra’ scheme.
