TANGLA, Jan 19: Encroachment of forest land and destruction of forests is linked with increasing man-elephant conflict. Protection of forest land and peaceful co-existence strategy for human and wild animals is the need of the hour to resolve the man-elephant conflict. This was observed by Rihan Daimari, State PHE and Food and Civil Supplies Minister, at a programme held at Nonoi range office complex under Dhansiri forest division in Udalguri recently.
Daimari said that man-elephant conflict casualties had sharply declined in 2016 as compared to the previous years.The programme, where Madhurya Kumar Sarma, DFO Dhansiri Forest division, delivered the key note speech, was also attended by Kamali Basumatari, MLA of Panery LAC.
Speaking on the occasion, Basumatari said that like many parts of the State, man-elephant conflict was a serious issue in Udalguri that needed attention. Basumatari further added that like neighbouring Bhutan, solar fencing needed to be erected in man-elephant conflict zone and she has already apprised State Forest Minister Pramila Rani in this regard.
The programme was also attended by Nerswn Boro, Deputy Speaker BTC, Suresh Tanti, MCLA Nonaiserfang, besides forest officials. Rihan Daimari distributed ex-gratia cheques to the kin of some victims of man-elephant conflict. Later, the families of a total of 1,070 victims of man-elephant conflict in recent years were handed over ex-gratia cheques by the office of Dhansiri Forest division.