Solar Street Lights Help Prevent Human-Elephant Conflicts in Assam
In Assam, India, a biodiversity conservation group called Aaranyak has installed 30 solar street lights in 21 villages affected by Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the districts of Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur, part of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). These installations aim to reduce the risk of encounters between humans and elephants after dark.
Community Involvement and Strategic Placement
The project was supported by the SBI Foundation and involved local community members. The solar lights are placed in areas identified as vulnerable to HEC, allowing villagers to spot elephants from a safe distance. This helps both humans and elephants navigate safely, reducing the chances of accidents.
Expert Insights
Dr. Alolika Sinha, a senior biologist at Aaranyak, explained that the locations for the lights were chosen with input from local communities and the Elephant Conservation Network (ECN). This strategic placement helps prevent distress and accidents for both communities and elephants.
Team Effort
The installation was completed by Aaranyak’s team, including Anjan Baruah, Rabiya Daimari, Mondeep Basumatari, Abhijit Saikia, Bikash Tossa, Jaugashar Basumatary, and Pradip Barman, with help from ECN members and local communities.
Doubts Revealed
Aaranyak -: Aaranyak is a group that works to protect nature and wildlife. They focus on saving animals and plants in India, especially in places like Assam.
SBI Foundation -: SBI Foundation is the charitable arm of the State Bank of India. They help with projects that improve communities and the environment.
Solar Street Lights -: Solar street lights use energy from the sun to light up streets. They are helpful because they don’t need electricity from power lines and are good for the environment.
Human-Elephant Conflict -: Human-Elephant Conflict happens when elephants and people come into contact and cause problems for each other. This can include elephants damaging crops or people getting hurt.
Bodoland Territorial Region -: The Bodoland Territorial Region is an area in Assam, India, where the Bodo people live. It has its own local government and is known for its rich wildlife.
Elephant Conservation Network -: The Elephant Conservation Network is a group that works to protect elephants. They help find ways for elephants and people to live safely together.
Dr. Alolika Sinha -: Dr. Alolika Sinha is a person who works with Aaranyak. She helps plan where to put the solar lights to keep both people and elephants safe.