TURA: Frequent occurrences of man-elephant conflict in Tikrikilla area under West Garo Hills District has led a student body from the region to seek the intervention of the Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife in Tura.
The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Tikrikilla Regional Unit on Thursday dashed off a petition to the DFO seeking his immediate intervention in the matter.
According to the union, villages like Khamari, Bolbokgre, Kongkira, Alokdia, Paham, Hollaidanga, Matramgre, Bandanggre, Nogorpara and Williampur, all of which lies in the vicinity of the Gaptuli and Hollaidanga Reserve forests are the worst affected by the pachyderm menace.
The encroachment of human settlements into the natural habitats of the elephants made necessary by the rapid rise in population is said to be the main cause of the problem.
As per the union, this year alone cases of attacks on humans were reported – once in the February and twice in the month of May. Besides, the damage caused by the animals to homes and private property like crops is a regular affair which has continued to this day.
In their letter to the official, the union sought information on whether any concrete steps aimed at reducing conflicts has been initiated by the department. If not, it urged the concerned authority to take necessary measures to bring a solution to the problem.