Aaranyak’s Innovative Approach: LED Lights to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam

Premier biodiversity conservation organization Aaranyak has initiated a project to install solar-operated blinking LED lights in human-elephant conflict (HEC) hotspot areas across several districts in Assam. These lights, strategically placed along elephant movement paths, create the illusion of human presence, deterring elephants from crop raiding and entering human settlements without causing harm. The project, supported by SBI Foundation, aims to install 40 LED lights initially in Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts. Already, 10 lights have been successfully installed in Udalguri district, benefiting around 500 families. Local communities are actively involved in the installation and maintenance process, ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the initiative. Aaranyak plans to expand the installation of LED lights to more areas prone to human-elephant conflicts, contributing to peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam.