An interactive meeting was convened by the Deomali Forest Department on February 1 to address the escalating human-elephant conflict in Deomali sub-division, Arunachal Pradesh. This issue has been a persistent concern for decades, with elephant movements threatening both local livelihoods and safety.
The meeting was chaired by B. S. Bonal, the Chairman of the Regional Action Plan Committee for Mitigating Human–Elephant Conflict in the North East Region and a retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Other notable attendees included P. R. Marak, a retired Chief Conservator of Forests from Meghalaya, Dr. Tajum Yumcha, a Research Officer focusing on wildlife and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, A. K. Deka, Chief Conservator of Forests in Deomali, and former Deomali ZPM Wangphoon Lowang.
Farmers and community members expressed their grievances regarding frequent elephant incursions, which have not only damaged crops and property but also posed grave risks to human lives. Residents emphasized the pressing need for effective, long-term strategies to mitigate these conflicts.
During the discussion, several key proposals were raised: participants called for solar fencing to be installed around agricultural fields and elephant corridors, the establishment of solar street lights in affected villages, and the formation of a dedicated Elephant Protection Force to swiftly address emergencies.
Village chiefs, Gaon Burahs, PRI members, and local leaders participated in the meeting, along with representatives from the Hinthong Foundation, led by Chajo Lowang, who advocated for community-driven solutions to the challenges posed by elephant movements.
This issue has gained critical urgency in light of recent tragic incidents involving wild elephants in the Deomali area. Last year, the former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar lost his life during an elephant attack while walking from Deomali to Namsang village in Tirap district. Rajkumar had served the Khonsa North Assembly Constituency from 1975 to 1990, highlighting the serious and growing impact of this ongoing conflict on the community.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/deomali-forest-department-holds-interactive-meeting-to-address-human-elephant-conflict-1340093-2026-02-02?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-02 12:06:00
