Addressing the Rising Man-Elephant Conflicts in Assam

The rising incidents of man-elephant conflicts in Assam's Kamrup districts have prompted experts to recommend the deployment of trained kunki elephants. As wild elephants increasingly invade rural areas, causing damage to crops and threatening lives, conservationists stress the urgency for government intervention. With local residents living in fear and sleepless nights, the establishment of a dedicated task force is essential. This article delves into expert opinions, past successful strategies, and the pressing need for effective solutions to protect both human and elephant populations in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 6, 2026, 11:23 IST

Introduction to the Conflict

Deployment of the trained kunki elephants will help manage the movement of their wild counterparts

Amingaon, Sept 6: The increasing incidents of man-elephant conflicts in the Kamrup West and East forest divisions have left local residents on edge, often losing sleep as they protect their homes and crops. Experts are advocating for the Forest Department to utilize kunki elephants to help mitigate this escalating issue.

Need for Tamed Elephants

Despite repeated attempts to drive the wild elephants away, they continue to invade rural areas. Experts suggest that deploying trained elephants, accompanied by skilled mahouts, could significantly reduce property damage and prevent human casualties.

Expert Opinions

Dharani Dhar Boro, a prominent forest officer, cautioned that without a robust strategy, the situation could worsen. He emphasized that utilizing strong kunki elephants could be beneficial, especially as wild elephants have begun raiding granaries after damaging crops.

Conservation biologist Deba Kumar Dutta echoed this sentiment, stating that the presence of tame elephants could effectively reduce human-elephant conflicts.

Government Action Required

It is crucial for the government to take decisive action to protect lives, preserve crops, and conserve wildlife. The introduction of trained kunki elephants could assist in managing the movements of wild elephants.

Dutta noted that elephants, once accustomed to the plains, find the available food irresistible, making it challenging to redirect them.

Successful Strategies from the Past

Environmentalist Laxman Teron highlighted that deploying tame elephants has proven effective in the past. He recalled a successful strategy in the Deepor Beel area, where a single tame elephant helped protect crops from wild herds.

According to Teron, a pair of trained elephants can effectively deter a herd of 15 to 20 wild elephants, as they tend to fear their presence.

Community Concerns

Residents in several villages are forced to stay awake at night due to the threat posed by wild elephants. A Forest Department official acknowledged the rising conflict and pointed out that a shortage of manpower has exacerbated the situation.

There is a pressing need to establish a dedicated task force to address this urgent issue. This team should be stationed strategically to respond quickly when herds are spotted.

Current Situation

Compounding the problem, elephants are now splitting into smaller groups, making it harder to manage their movements. Kaushik Goswami, a nature enthusiast, warned that wild elephants have already reached Nahira, Assam's second-largest village, posing a significant threat to local farmers.

Jiten Kalita from Bhurapara shared his experience of a herd raiding his home, consuming over 800 kilograms of paddy in just two hours. He has reached out to the Kamrup West Division for compensation.

Pranita Nath, another victim of the elephant raids, reported a loss of 500 kilograms of paddy and emphasized the need for guidance on how to handle these nighttime invasions.