Gumla District Administration Imposes Strict Measures to Prevent Elephant-Human Conflict
The district administration of Gumla in Jharkhand has taken decisive action by imposing prohibitory orders across multiple villages under the Bharno block. This preventive measure was implemented on Friday and will remain in effect until February 15, aiming to safeguard human lives from potential conflicts with a herd of elephants that entered the area from the neighboring Lohardaga district.
Learning from Tragic Incidents in West Singhbhum
This precautionary step comes in the wake of a tragic incident in West Singhbhum district, where a rogue tusker caused the deaths of 20 people over a span of 10 days earlier this month. The administration, having learned from this devastating event, has placed district officials and forest department personnel on high alert. These teams are actively monitoring and tracking the movements of the elephant herd to ensure public safety.
Details of the Elephant Herd and Local Reactions
Officials confirmed on Friday that the herd consists of 14 elephants, including calves, which entered Gumla from Lohardaga's Chatti-Kharka village. The elephants have been spotted in areas such as Supa-Mahuwatoli and Atakora Khaksitoli forest. Despite the potential danger, local residents have shown a mix of fear and curiosity, with some venturing close to the herd to catch a glimpse or take selfies. On Saturday, approximately 4,000 people gathered to observe the elephants, complicating efforts to manage the situation.
An official expressed concern, stating, "Despite our repeated warnings, people are not adhering to them, posing significant challenges for forest officials and the local administration in their attempts to guide the herd to a safer location."
Challenges in Managing the Herd's Movements
Forest beat officer Rakesh Mishra highlighted the behavioral patterns of the elephants, noting that they are avoiding dense forests and instead preferring sparse patches of trees or areas near human settlements. "The elephants are moving near fields adjacent to human habitation to raid harvested crops or mahua," Mishra explained. "Our strategy involves trying to drive them toward nearby dense forests where water sources are available, ensuring their well-being while reducing human interaction."
Enforcement of Prohibitory Orders and Public Announcements
To control the situation, the administration has banned assemblies of five or more people in villages including Supa, Malgo, Morgaon, Budhipat, and Mahuwatoli, along with their adjoining areas. Public announcements are being made continuously to disperse crowds and educate residents about the risks involved.
Gumla divisional forest officer Ahmed Belar Anwar emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "Despite multiple announcements and the enforcement of prohibitory orders, some locals are throwing stones at the elephants. We urgently hope that people will understand the seriousness of this scenario and vacate the area immediately to prevent any harm."
The combined efforts of the district administration and forest department are focused on mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of both the villagers and the elephant herd, as they navigate this delicate human-wildlife interface in Jharkhand.
