Project Gajah Kotha Launched in Assam: Assam has initiated the “Gajah Kotha” campaign, involving over 1,200 people and advocating cooperation, in an effort to ameliorate the rising human-elephant conflict (HEC). This programme focuses on HEC-affected communities in eastern Assam, with the goal of educating villagers on the behaviour, ecology, and cultural value of elephants in the region, with an emphasis on conservation. Spearheaded by Aaranyak, a prominent wildlife NGO based in Guwahati, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department, and with support from the Darwin Initiative, this initiative demonstrates their dedication to fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Advancements made thus far
So far, the campaigns have taken place at different venues such as Haladhibari, Jaborchuk Kathoni, Gazera, Gazera High School, Ujani Majuli Kherkatia High School, Pub Majuli Kherkatia High School, Jaborchuk Basa, and Jopanchuk in Majuli. Aaranyak has collaborated with various local organizations to actively involve community members and nurture future advocates in each area affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC). Through these collaborations, organisations and community members were able to interact with Aaranyak experts, exchanging ideas on creative techniques that foster happy coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Assam’s Thriving Elephant Population and the Urgency for Sustainable Coexistence
With a flourishing elephant population of nearly 5,000 Asiatic elephants, Assam holds the second position in India in terms of elephant numbers, just behind Karnataka. Nonetheless, the region faces escalating conflicts as a result. The encroachment on natural habitats, fragmentation of forests, and insufficient management of elephant corridors have all played a role in exacerbating these conflicts, highlighting the vital importance of initiatives such as “Gajah Kotha” in promoting a sustainable coexistence.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Chief Minister of Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma
