Forest Encroachment Blamed for Rising Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam

Forest Department officials said increasing encroachment of forest land and elephant corridors is the main reason behind the rising human-elephant conflict in Assam. Officials stated that clearing five lakh bighas of encroached forest land, as promised by the government, could significantly reduce the problem.

Assam has over 6,000 elephants, and officials said the animals are losing habitat due to human encroachment. The department added that rogue elephants are identified only after detailed investigations, while current efforts focus on tranquilising and relocating elephants instead of killing them.