Aaranyak Launches ‘HaatiApp’ to Help Villagers in Assam Avoid Wild Elephants
Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization based in Guwahati, Assam, has developed a mobile application called ‘HaatiApp’ to help mitigate the ongoing Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) and promote coexistence in the region.
About ‘HaatiApp’
The ‘HaatiApp’ acts as an early warning system, alerting villagers about the presence of wild elephants near human settlements. This helps villagers avoid negative interactions with the elephants. According to Bibhuti P Lahkar, the senior conservation scientist and Head of the Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD) at Aaranyak, the app also includes an ex-gratia application form for damages caused by wild elephants. Aaranyak will submit these forms to the respective Forest Divisions on behalf of the victims to support the Forest Department’s compensation efforts.
Support and Additional Resources
The initiative is supported by the SBI Foundation. In addition to ‘HaatiApp’, Aaranyak has compiled a handbook in Assamese on solar-powered fences, which are effective tools for mitigating HEC. The handbook provides detailed information on the utility, installation, management, and maintenance of solar fences, along with dos and don’ts. This resource is expected to be useful for grassroots communities, forest department personnel, contractor firms, and other conservation organizations.
Launch Event
Both the ‘HaatiApp’ and the Solar Fence manual will be launched ceremonially on August 10 in a function organized in Guwahati. The Solar Fence Manual is supported by the British Asian Trust and the Darwin Initiative.
Doubts Revealed
Aaranyak -: Aaranyak is a group that works to protect nature and animals. They are based in Guwahati, a city in Assam, India.
HaatiApp -: HaatiApp is a mobile application designed to help people in villages avoid wild elephants. ‘Haati’ means elephant in Hindi.
Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) -: Human-Elephant Conflict happens when wild elephants come close to where people live, which can be dangerous for both the elephants and the people.
Ex-gratia -: Ex-gratia is a payment given to someone to help them recover from damage or loss, even though there is no legal obligation to pay it.
SBI Foundation -: SBI Foundation is the charitable arm of the State Bank of India, which supports various social and environmental projects.
Solar-powered fences -: Solar-powered fences use energy from the sun to create barriers that can help keep wild elephants away from human areas without harming them.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is a large city in the state of Assam, in northeastern India. It is known for its rich culture and natural beauty.