Human-Elephant conflict deepens in Udalguri: Fourth death in a month sparks concerns

A fourth wild elephant has died in Udalguri district, Assam, within a month, highlighting the escalating elephant-human conflict in the India-Bhutan border area. The recent incident occurred in Hatikhuli, where an adult elephant was found dead, prompting an investigation by the forest department.

The conflict has led to a reign of terror in the region, with locals spending sleepless nights due to the elephant menace. The area's proximity to the Bhutan border and the resulting deforestation and encroachment have led to a severe food crisis, forcing elephants to venture into human settlements in search of sustenance.

The elephant corridors in the area have been occupied, further exacerbating the conflict. According to reports, the conflict has claimed 15-20 human lives annually, while elephants are also falling prey to the violence.

The latest death has sparked concerns among environmentalists, who are urging the forest department to take immediate action to mitigate the conflict. Residents are demanding effective measures to address the issue, including the protection of elephant corridors and the prevention of encroachment in the forest areas.

The forest department's efforts to address the issue have been deemed inadequate, and locals are calling for more concrete steps to resolve the crisis. 

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