Date: September 12, 2024
Locations: Mechi Riverbed, Rakamjote Naya Basti & Jalpaiguri

On 12 August 2024, communities, forest officials, NGOs, and conservation partners came together across North Bengal to observe World Elephant Day 2024, reinforcing our shared commitment to elephant conservation and coexistence.

At the Mechi riverbed (Rakamjote Naya Basti), a community-focused celebration was organized with participation from:

  • Mr. Devesh Pandey, DFO Kurseong (IFS)
  • Mr. Rahul Deb Mukherjee, ADFO
  • Mr. Samiran Raj, Range Officer, Panighata
  • Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) members
  • Teams from Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA), SPOAR, Jumbo Troops, and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)
  • Local community members and volunteers

Following the program, a bike rally was flagged off from the Mechi riverbed, tracing the elephant-bearing landscape of North Bengal up to Assam. This collaborative initiative with SPOAR was aimed at raising awareness and promoting safe coexistence practices across the landscape.

During the event, Mr. Anujit Basu, Secretary of NWA, emphasized that for fringe communities, “Every day is an Elephant Day.” DFO Kurseong Mr. Pandey acknowledged the measurable success of joint efforts in Panighata, where reported incidents of crop damage and property loss have seen a significant reduction through proactive mitigation.

Simultaneously, World Elephant Day was celebrated at Jalpaiguri and Gorumara Wildlife Division, coordinated by SNAP Foundation, WTI, Gorumara Wildlife Division, Naturemates, and NWA, along with Jumbo Troops, Gairkata Aranyak, PPS, and SPOAR.

Highlights of the Jalpaiguri event included:

  • Honouring of frontline forest staff and range officers
  • Cultural performances
  • Poster and model presentations on elephant conservation
  • Quiz competitions for school students, encouraging early engagement with wildlife issues

The day also marked the inauguration of WTI’s ‘Gaja Utsav’, in the presence of senior officials, including:

  • CCF Wildlife (North)
  • DFOs of Jalpaiguri and Gorumara Wildlife Divisions
  • ADFOs from both divisions

The energy and participation across multiple districts reflect a strong, collective will to protect elephant habitats and support communities living alongside wildlife. These events are a reminder that lasting solutions come through cooperation, awareness, and continuous engagement at all levels.