Skip to content Skip to navigation

Aaranyak and WWF-India Collaborate to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict with Innovative Solar Fence in Raimona National Park

By AT News |

Guwahati: Biodiversity conservation organizations, Aaranyak and WWF-India, have joined forces to tackle the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), particularly the pressing concern of human-elephant conflict (HEC), by installing a remarkable 10 km-long low-cost solar fence in the fringes of the Central Range (Kachugaon) of Raimona National Park in Assam. This initiative aims to facilitate coexistence between humans and wildlife, offering immediate relief to the local community.

The community-managed single-strand solar fence is expected to alleviate the ever-increasing incidents of HEC for approximately 568 households, which translates to a population of 2700-3000 people distributed across 12 villages and Chubas - Dumbazar Dumbazaar, Hazariguri, Nandipur 1, Nandipur 2, Gwajanpur, Lotamari 1, Santipur, Hadanpur, Golaipara, Thakampur, Rupnathpur, and Bathouguri.

The installation of this innovative fence project commenced on August 11th and was successfully completed by August 29th. It is now ready for formal inauguration and handover to the local community.

Out of the 10 km solar fence, Aaranyak played a pivotal role in constructing 4.3 km, with active participation from the local communities. The Aaranyak team, led by Anjan Baruah and comprising dedicated individuals such as Jibon Kumar Chetry and Ripunjoy Kumar Nath, worked alongside community members to accomplish the fence installation work.

Raimona National Park, encompassing an area of 422 square kilometers, is the youngest and the sixth national park in Assam. It consists of four ranges, namely the Eastern Range (Athiabari), Sanfan Range, Central (Kachuagaon), and Western Range (Raimona). It achieved national park status through an Assam Gazette Notification no. FRW.02/2021/27 dated June 8, 2021.

The collaborative effort of Aaranyak and WWF-India signifies a significant step towards mitigating HEC and fostering harmonious coexistence between wildlife and local communities in the region.

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org

Add new comment

Assamese Translator

Assam Times seeks English to Assamese translators!
Join our volunteer team.
Email editor@assamtimes.org.

Random Stories

It is the turn of Nagaland to chase Bangladeshis after Arunachal

18 Jul 2007 - 3:55pm | luitneildon
GUWAHATI, July 18: Hordes of suspected Bangladeshis are being pushed into Asom from Nagaland near the New Sonowal area along the Mariani-Mokokchung Road in Jorhat district. Nagaland’s Ao...

Modi’s rare humane approach

6 Mar 2017 - 7:41pm | AT News
A new born baby from Assam is battling for life in Delhi after it was airlifted to the capital thanks to Prime Minister’s rare and humane initiatives.The eight day old baby who was born at the Assam...

One electrocuted

24 Mar 2017 - 8:28pm | Shajid Khan
A power department employee Sujit Barman (40) working under Tangla sub-division APDCL at Hattigarh of Udalguri on contractual basis was electrocuted in Teliapara of Udalguri on Thursday. Reportedly...
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rietje/2170995417/in/photostream/

Dam on Siang to brew trouble

5 Jun 2015 - 11:07am | AT News
The Centre is planning to setup yet another huge dam to generate power  which runs into a hail of protest in the entire north eastern region. Union water resources development minister Uma...

Other Contents by Author

Celebrating Asomiya: A Classical Language’s Journey to Recognition

The Directorate of Cultural Affairs under the Assam government marked its 53rd anniversary with a historic event celebrating the recognition of Asomiya (Assamese) as a classical language. Held at the iconic Rabindra Bhawan, the evening highlighted the significance of this achievement and charted a roadmap for the language's preservation and growth in written and colloquial forms. The courtyard of Rabindra Bhawan, adorned with vibrant decorations and a podium beneath lush Bokul trees, hosted an enthusiastic audience of dignitaries and scholars. As the sun dipped below the Brahmaputra’s horizon, the program commenced with three distinguished panelists sharing their insights. The...

Protester Killed During Violent Clashes in Manipur; Curfew Imposed and Internet Suspended in Seven Districts

Tensions escalated in Manipur’s violence-hit Jiribam district on Sunday night as clashes between security forces and protesters turned deadly, officials reported. A young protester, identified as 21-year-old K. Athouba, was fatally shot amid the chaos. A police official confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who fired the fatal shot, while protesters allege that a Manipur Police special commando unit was responsible. Two others were reported injured in the incident. The violence erupted as mobs attacked and vandalized properties belonging to political leaders and various party offices. According to police reports, the unrest began at Babupara before spreading to other...

Tiger Carcass Found in Kaziranga National Park

The body of a tiger was discovered in the Horonbali Chapori area of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, located in Assam’s Biswanath district, on Monday. Forest guards came across the carcass during a routine patrol and alerted senior officials, who subsequently arrived at the scene to recover the remains. Preliminary findings suggest that the tiger may have died as a result of a fight with another tiger. To confirm the exact cause of death, samples will be sent to a forensic laboratory for further analysis. The disposal of the carcass was carried out under the supervision of senior forest officials and veterinary doctors. Kaziranga National Park, recognized as a Tiger Reserve...

Guwahati Police Busts Cybercrime Gang, Arrests 8

Guwahati Police has successfully busted a cybercrime gang involved in a major fraud operation. Eight individuals were arrested following a raid at a lodge in Boragaon. The gang was operating a network of "mule bank accounts" to facilitate the transfer of illegally obtained money. The arrested individuals were involved in opening bank accounts using fake identities and documents. They would then hand over these accounts to cybercriminals who used them to launder money obtained through online scams. The police seized numerous items, including mobile phones, ATM cards, cheque books, and electronic devices, from the arrested individuals. A case has been registered against the accused, and...

Government Extends AFSPA in Manipur Amidst Ethnic Clashes

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, to six police stations across five districts in Manipur. This decision, effective immediately, will remain in place until March 31, 2025. The affected areas include Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Moirang police stations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Kangpokpi, and Bishnupur districts. The extension is aimed at empowering security forces to conduct coordinated operations and address the ongoing ethnic violence and insurgent activity in the region. The MHA's decision follows a comprehensive review of the security situation in Manipur, which continues to be volatile...

Polling for 6 Assam, Meghalaya assembly seats ends largely peacefully

The voting under by-polls in six assembly constituencies of Assam and Meghalaya, conducted to fill up the vacant seats (as the respective legislators had shifted their focus to the national politics after winning the recently conducted Lok Sabha polls), ended largely peacefully on Wednesday evening with a satisfactory over 70% voters’ turn out. The fate of all candidates is stored in the electronic voting machines, which will be opened on 23 November next. Along with these seats, by-polls for over 40 assembly constituencies (along with two Lok Sabha seats) in other parts of India are on the card along with the State assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand before the counting day...

Asam Sahitya Sabha UK Chapter Mourns the Loss of Its First President

It is with deep sorrow that the Asam Sahitya Sabha UK Chapter announces the passing of its first president, Shri Bhuban Baruah, who breathed his last this morning at Bexleyheath, London (1932 - November 1, 2024). The news has cast a shadow of grief over the UK Chapter and the wider Assamese community. Shri Baruah, who emigrated over five decades ago, was a stalwart Assamese by heart and a knowledgeable yet humble individual. Born in Digboi, he pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta, earning his law degree and later completing his Master’s in Law from Banaras Hindu University with distinction. He worked as the Chief Correspondent for the Shillong Assembly before coming to...

Anganwadi Workers Protest Demanding Pay Hike

The Assam State Committee of Anganwadi Workers and Assistants Association (ASAWWA) staging a protest in front of the Directorate of the Women and Child Welfare Department in Ujan Bazar, Guwahati on November 4. The protesters demanded the government publish the official notice regarding a proposed salary increase for Anganwadi workers and assistants. The association is advocating for transparency and timely communication regarding the salary adjustments, which are crucial for the livelihood of its members. The protest underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Anganwadi workers in securing fair compensation for their vital contributions to community health and education.

Guwahati Residents Rally Against Tree Felling for Flyover Project

Guwahati, Oct. 29:  A wave of protest swept through Guwahati on Tuesday as concerned citizens gathered at Dighalipukhuri to oppose the felling of numerous ancient trees for the construction of a flyover connecting Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri. Protesters, united under the banner "Save Our Trees, Save Our Heritage," expressed deep concern over the potential environmental impact and loss of the city's natural beauty. They argued that the 200-year-old trees, vital to the ecosystem, act as natural air purifiers, reduce urban heat, and provide a sanctuary for migratory birds. Community leaders and environmental activists have pledged to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to halt...

Awareness Program on Child Protection Held in Baksa

KOKRAJHAR, OCT 28: A significant awareness program was organized on Monday at Jalah Girls’ High School in Baksa district, focusing on child protection mechanisms, human trafficking, and the safety and empowerment of women and children. The initiative was a joint effort by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and the ICDS project, Jalah, under the Women and Child Development (WCD) department. Dr. Lipika Barman, the District Child Protection Officer of Baksa (in-charge), presided over the event. Kalpana Das, CDPO of the ICDS Project, Jalah, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the...