IN THE heart of the dense forests of Chhattisgarh, an important initiative is underway to safeguard elephants and the human settlements living on the fringes. This unique endeavour involves members of the local community, known as hathi mitras or friends of elephants, who work round the clock to maintain a vigilant watch on the movement of the elephants and warn village residents if the animal is in close proximity.
Jitendra Kunjam, a hathi mitra stationed at the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve that spreads across Gariaband and Dhamtari districts, shares his recent experiences. For the past two months, elephants have been residing within the forest, feeding on roots, bamboos and lush green leaves. During a recent expedition, Kunjam, along with fellow trackers, encountered elephants from a safe distance as they rested in the afternoon shade.
"Elephants are not typically found in the reserve. So when a herd of 20-30 elephants migrated from Odisha to our forests in 201920, we were tasked with monitoring their movements," says Narendra Mandavi, who earlier used to monitor forest fires.
"Due to the overpopulation of elephants in Odisha's forests, we are witnessing their displacement to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Such displacements often lead to conflicts, as people attack the elephants out of fear, prompting aggressive behaviour from the animals. The hathi mitra initiative that was started in 2021 has played a crucial role in preventing such conflicts," says Varun Kumar Jain, deputy director of the tiger reserve. He adds that the reserve can accommodate around 200 elephants.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.