A wave of relief has swept through Rangagarah village in Assam’s Goalpara district as residents finally see hope after decades of fear and damage caused by wild elephants.
The village has completed a three-kilometre-long solar-powered fence to address the human-elephant conflict in Assam, which has tormented the community for over 20 years.
A Two-Decade Battle for Survival
For the people of Rangagarah, the struggle against elephants raiding crops, damaging homes, and sometimes causing human casualties has been relentless. Each harvest season became a period of tension, with villagers forced to stay awake through the night to guard fields and property.
Bhabesh Das, a local farmer, said:
“We have lost paddy, vegetables, and even lives. Every year, elephants would come. The fence has given us a chance to live without fear.”
How the Solar Fence Works
The solar fence is powered by a system that stores energy during the day and releases mild electric pulses at night. These pulses deter elephants from crossing into human settlements without causing harm to the animals.
Funded through a collaboration between the Forest Department, local NGOs, and community contributions, the fence is an example of sustainable technology used for conservation and human safety.
Forest Ranger Pradip Deka explained:
“It’s safe for elephants and people. The fence helps avoid conflict while protecting wildlife corridors.”
Benefits Beyond Protection
The fence’s installation has brought multiple benefits. Farmers now feel confident about cultivating larger areas of land. Children can attend school without fear of encountering elephants on their way.
Moreover, there’s hope that the fence will reduce retaliation killings of elephants, which sometimes occurred when villagers tried to defend themselves.
Moreover, the Forest Department has promised regular maintenance of the fence and training for villagers on handling future encounters with wildlife.
Assam’s Broader Battle with Human-Elephant Conflict
Human-elephant conflict in Assam is not unique to Rangagarah. Across the state, elephants often stray into human settlements as forests shrink and traditional migration paths are blocked.
Assam accounts for a significant percentage of India’s human-elephant conflict cases. However, between 2010 and 2023, official records show over 800 human deaths and significant elephant fatalities linked to such encounters.
Experts stress that solutions like solar fencing are crucial to coexistence.
Calls for More Community Involvement
Wildlife conservationists have praised Rangagarah’s initiative but urge wider adoption of such methods. They also emphasize the importance of restoring elephant corridors and promoting community awareness.
Dr. Neelima Boro, a wildlife biologist, told India Environment Portal:
“Human-elephant conflict in Assam can’t be solved with fences alone. We need habitat protection and community engagement.”
Government Plans for Conflict Mitigation
The Assam Forest Department is developing a master plan to tackle human-wildlife conflict using a combination of technology, compensation schemes, and forest restoration. Rangagarah’s success story could serve as a blueprint for other conflict-prone areas.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said in a press briefing:
“Our goal is to reduce human-elephant conflict in Assam and ensure both people and elephants thrive.”
India Environment Portal you can visit this site.
The three-kilometre solar-powered fence in Rangagarah stands as a symbol of innovation and hope. It’s a powerful step toward resolving the human-elephant conflict in Assam, allowing villagers to reclaim safety and livelihoods while protecting majestic wildlife. As the region awaits the fence’s long-term impact, many hope this effort inspires similar actions across other affected districts.