Date: 18th – 21st March 2024
Location: Kurseong Forest Division
From 18th to 21st March 2024, the Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) participated in a four-day joint inspection drive initiated by the Kurseong Forest Division. The inspection aimed to assess and mitigate risks posed by sagging electric lines, naked conductors, and illegal power connections along known elephant movement routes.
The drive was conducted in close coordination with the:
- Forest Department
- West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL)
- Local Police authorities
- Other NGOs and field stakeholders
Covered Ranges:
- Bagdogra
- Bamonpokhri
- Panighata
- Tukuriajhar
- Ghoshpukur
Sagging or exposed electrical infrastructure in wildlife corridors poses a serious threat to elephants and other species, often leading to fatal accidents. This inspection marks a proactive step toward identifying such hazards and developing a collaborative action plan to ensure safe coexistence between humans and elephants.
NWA remains committed to working alongside authorities and local communities to prevent such incidents and strengthen human-wildlife conflict mitigation efforts across North Bengal.
