Elephant Rampage in Rani Highlights Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict

Unchecked deforestation is being blamed for increasing human-elephant conflict in Rani on the outskirts of Guwahati. On Sunday night, a herd of wild elephants entered Nalapara, damaging houses and destroying stored paddy and household items, causing heavy losses to local families.

Forest personnel later drove the elephants back, but residents say such incidents have become frequent. Locals and activists have urged authorities to curb deforestation, protect forests, provide compensation to victims, and create buffer zones to prevent future conflicts.