GUWAHATI: A tumultuous situation unfolded in Kampur, located in Assam's Nagaon district, as a herd of elephants wreaked havoc, leading the authorities to take immediate action. In response to the crisis, three schools in the area were closed until the situation could be brought under control. Additionally, business establishments were shut down to prevent any further untoward incidents.
The local municipality took to the microphone to issue urgent alerts to villagers, urging them to remain vigilant. The need for such precautions arose after the herd of wild elephants strayed out of their natural habitat and attacked two individuals, causing severe injuries. The wounded victims were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where their critical condition necessitated their subsequent transfer to Nagaon Hospital for advanced medical treatment.
Apart from injuring humans, the marauding elephants also caused extensive damage to residential properties, leaving the residents in a state of panic. Several houses were demolished, compounding the fears of the affected community. In addition to the destruction of property, the rampage resulted in the loss of livestock, further exacerbating the plight of the villagers.
Regrettably, another tragic incident of human-wildlife conflict unfolded in Assam's Goalpara district on the night of June 20. A middle-aged man, Helendra Marak (45), fell victim to an enraged wild elephant. The elephant, part of a herd that had strayed into a village near Krishnai town, embarked on a rampage, destroying anything in its path. The elephants' intrusion into the village was likely driven by their search for food.
During the chaotic ordeal, Helendra Marak encountered one of the tuskers and attempted to flee. Tragically, the elephant swiftly caught up with him and trampled him to death, adding another casualty to the grim toll. The incident left the locals in a state of panic, with houses and properties shattered as a result of the elephants' destructive rampage.
This recent episode of human-wildlife conflict follows an earlier tragic event that took place in the Golaghat district. In that incident, a child lost their life, while their parents sustained grievous injuries during an encounter with wild elephants near Numaligarh town. A herd of elephants had ventured into the area, wreaking havoc and damaging approximately 50 houses. The 8-year-old child's unfortunate demise and the injuries sustained by their parents served as a grim reminder of the inherent risks posed by such encounters.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the region. Conservation efforts, such as preserving natural habitats and implementing robust strategies to prevent elephants from straying into populated areas, are essential. Additionally, raising awareness among local communities about safety measures and establishing dedicated response teams to handle such situations can contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of human-wildlife conflicts.
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