Date: June 9-29, 2024
Location: Baikanthapur, Kurseong, Tukuriajhar
Throughout June, the Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) and Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) actively supported soft mitigation strategies to reduce human-elephant conflict (HEC) across the Baikanthapur and Kurseong Forest Divisions, in coordination with the West Bengal Forest Department.
June 9 – Baikanthapur Forest Division
At Magurmari Eco Village, Kathambari, a Capacity Building Workshop and Tool Distribution Programme was held for newly formed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) from key conflict-prone ranges.
Tools distributed:
- Walkie-talkies
- Measuring tapes
- Headlights
- Raincoats
- NWA T-shirts
The event was attended by DFO Baikanthapur, Mr. Raja M (IFS), along with ROs from Apalchand, Targhera, and MPP Odlabari.
June 15 – Kurseong Forest Division
A major tool distribution event was conducted for ground staff in Kurseong Division, in the presence of:
- Mr. Niraj Singhal (IFS), Head of Forest Force
- Additional PCCF, CCF (Wildlife), CCF Hill Circle & Northern Circle, FD BTR
- DFO Kurseong, ADFOs, and Range Officers
This effort reaffirms institutional support for non-lethal HEC mitigation strategies led by field teams and NGOs.
June 18 – Baikanthapur Division (Extended Areas)
Additional QRTs were formed in newly identified conflict zones within the division, with further distribution of soft mitigation tools to strengthen their operational capacity during peak activity periods.
June 29 – Tukuriajhar Range, Kurseong
To support elephant duty during the rainy season, 23 frontline staff of Tukuriajhar Range received raincoats to ensure safer and more efficient field operations.
These coordinated efforts demonstrate the continued emphasis on community-based, non-lethal mitigation, enabling ground teams to respond swiftly while maintaining a conservation-first approach.
