Assam Special Chief Secretary for Environment, Forest and Climate Change M.K. Yadava inspected forest areas in Udalguri district on Saturday to assess measures for reducing human-elephant conflict and develop long-term solutions.
Yadava visited Bagamati, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary and the forests of Bhairabkunda, where he held discussions with district administration and Forest Department officials on improving elephant habitats.
He directed forest officials to increase plantations, particularly of fruit-bearing species that provide natural food for elephants, to help ensure adequate food availability within their habitats.
The official also visited the Chikaridanga forest range, which has gained recognition for its achievement in securing a place in the Guinness World Records.
As part of efforts to address human-elephant conflict along the India-Bhutan border, Yadava informed the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) administration that excavation activities in affected areas of Udalguri district would be stopped wherever necessary.
Following the inspections, he met the district commissioner, senior police officials and representatives of organisations working to mitigate human-elephant conflict. The meeting focused on identifying practical measures and formulating long-term strategies to reduce encounters between people and elephants.
