Assam Plans ‘Gaja Mitra’ Project to Curb Man-Elephant Conflict

The Assam government will launch the “Gaja Mitra” project to reduce man-elephant conflicts. Farmers will get ₹7,500 per bigha for crop damage, and compensation for deaths will rise to ₹5 lakh. Officials said conflicts have declined in areas cleared of forest encroachments, as elephants found food and water there. However, new conflicts have emerged in Nalbari and Baksa due to shrinking forest cover. Eviction drives will continue to restore wildlife habitats.