1

MAN - ELEPHANT CONFLICT IN SOUTH WEST BENGAL

SUBHAMAY CHANDA, I.F.S (1996 Batch)

JOINT DIRECTOR SUNDARBAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE.

WEST BENGAL

ABSTRACT

Man – elephant conflict in South West Bengal viz., Purulia, Bankura and West

Midnapore, has been a major administrative issue for the West Bengal Forest Dept. The

problem started in 1987 when elephant herds from Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the

State of Jharkhand started migrating to Jhargram Division in the state of West Bengal. Initially

this did not pose any significant problem. Later as the JFM movement strengthened the forest

areas revived with increase in forest cover. This coupled with change in the agricultural

practices from the predominantly rain fed to irrigated agriculture, facilitating multiple crops

year round, including cash crops, the conflict took a bigger dimension. Both these incidences are

significant as the changed scenario provided adequate cover as well as assured food for the

migrating elephants whose number increased gradually. Such change along with increase in

human population in the area led to severe man-elephant conflict resulting in depredation of

crops and property as well as injury and loss of human life. The present study took an effort to

understand the migration pattern, herd behaviour, extent of damage, and present mitigation

systems for the period 2009-10 to 2011-12 and to formulate a comprehensive planning for

conflict management and mitigation.

Key words: Elephant-migration, conflict, mitigation, S W Bengal.

INTRODUCTION

In recent years the increased man-elephant conflict in the districts of Purulia, Bankura and

West Midnapore has become a serious challenge for the Forest Staff of these areas. These three

districts of SW Bengal are severely affected due to elephant depredation. Presence of elephants in

South West Bengal is historic. They were abundant in the dense sal forests of the erstwhile Midnapore

District as early as 1900 as per older reports. The population dwindled and became very small till mid

1980s due to loss of forest cover and depletion of food. During the period human-elephant conflict

was reported only from West Midnapore, west of Kangsabati River bordering Bihar and West Bengal.

Success in Joint Forest Management revived the crop quality of these three districts

considerably providing a good habitat and cover for the elephants once again. A change detection

study based on 1988 to 1991satelite data for Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts confirmed

positive increase (315km2 ) in forest cover (Singh et al, 2002). From 1987 onwards migratory herds

from Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jharkhand started coming to South West Bengal on a regular basis

resulting in a steady rise in man-elephant conflict in this part. Initially the Dalma herd used to come

up to the jurisdiction of Jhargram i.e., their movement was restricted up to the western part of river

Kangsabati. But later the herds started crossing the Kangsabati river and spend most of the time in the

eastern part of the Kangsabati river as this area was more fertile with availability of food and water in

2

abundance. With better functioning of JFMC in protecting forest and improved agricultural practices

under irrigated condition there was increase in forest cover in the area under consideration and

cultivation of crop throughout the year. This had a direct effect on increase in number and size of

migratory herds and their prolonged stay. This led to increased man-elephant conflict, greater

incidences of crop and property damage and higher rate of injury and human death. Such depredations

had to be compensated by money as per relevant Govt. order and such anti-depredation measures left

the Forest Divisions cash-starved and payment backlogs piled up. Conflict mitigation measures

included driving away of elephants which often led to damage of forests and crops in the agricultural

field and often patches were cleared by the villagers in a desperate bid to deny the elephants any

shelter.

During this period of migration the main function of the concerned Forest Divisions was

conflict mitigation and damage control through systematic and controlled driving away of elephants

along a route where crop and property damage and injury and loss of human life was minimal,

arranging for voluntary driving squads (Hullah party) and provision for crackers, hullah and search

lights (Santra et. Al., 2007, Anon 2013a, Anon 2013b)

To make a meaningful mitigation plan to minimize depredation it is necessary to know the

route, behaviour, habit, composition and aggressiveness of the migrating herd/s.

STUDY AREA

The districts of Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore are situated in the south western part of

the state of West Bengal, bounded by the state of Jharkhand on the Northern and Western side,

Burdwan , Hoogly , Howrah and East Midnapore districts of West Bengal on the Eastern side , and

the state of Orissa on the southern side(Map 1) (Anon,2013d).

The western part of the study area is hilly and undulating being an extension of Chotanagpur

plateau while the eastern part consists of flat Gangetic plains. The general topography varies from

200m to 670m.The soil is red, sandy, lateritic and alluvial type with red and black soils in a few

pockets. There are four major river systems in the area under study viz., Subarnarekha, Kangsabati,

Silabati and Dwarakeswar. The canal networks of the Kangsabati dam forms a major source of

irrigation in the region (Singh et. Al.,2002).

The maximum temperature ranges from 42oC to 48

oC during summer while the range of

minimum temperature during winter is 8oC to 13

oC. The monsoon period is from mid-June to end of

September. The annual rainfall in the study area during 2010 varied from 760mm in Purulia to

924mm in Bankura to 1002mm in Paschim Medinipur (Anon 2010 – 2011). The rainfall from June to

September constituted about 74% of the total annual rainfall. The study area falls within the Agro-

climatic zone “Rar and Eastern Plateau”. The soil depth varies from very shallow (0-25cm), to

shallow (25-50cm)to moderately shallow (50-75cm). The texture is gravelly loam. The Forest Type of

the study area is Tropical dry Deciduous Forests as per Champion and Sheth‟s revised

classification.The dominant flora consists of Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Diospyros

melanoxylon, Madhuka latifolia, Schleichera trijuga, Adina cordifolia, Terminalia tomentosa,

terminalia belerica, Soyamida febrifuga, Annogeissus latifolia. About 45% of the total forest consists

of pure coppice sal, about 15% of mixed sal including open scrubs, and about 40% of the area is under

plantation (Anon 2010, Anon 2010– 2011, Anon 2013a, Anon 2013b)

3

The distribution of geographical and recorded forest land in the three districts under study is

given in the following table (Table-1), (Anon 2010 - 2011):-

TABLE 1.DISTRICTWISE DISTRIBUTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL AND RECORDED FOREST

LAND IN THE STUDY AREA.

District Gepgraphical area

(Sq. Km)

Recorded Forest Area

(Sq. Km)

% of Recorded Forest

Area.

Bankura

Purulia

Midnapore

6,882

6,259

14,081

1,482

876

1,709

21.53

14.00

12.14

Total 27,222 4,067 14.94

Bankura has the highest percentage of forest area compared to the other two districts in

respect the geographical area and the elephants are presently staying more in the Barjora and

Sonamukhi area of Bankura district.

The geographical area, population and population density of the three districts is given below (Anon

2010 - 2011) (Table 2):

TABLE 2. AREA, POPULATION (2011) AND DENSITY IN THE THREE DISTRICTS

DISTRICT Gepgraphical

area

(Sq. Km)

POPULATION 2011 POPULATION

DENSITY

PER SQ. KM. MALE FEMALE TOTAL

Bankura

Purulia

West Midnapore

6882

6259

9345

1840504

1497656

3032630

1755788

1430309

2910670

3596292

2927965

5943300

523

468

636

The districts are moderately populated. The forest areas are fragmented and mostly

surrounded by villages and agricultural fields. Thus there is almost no continuous passage for the

elephants from one patch of forest to another. Therefore any movement of from one patch of forest to

another either naturally or during driving is bound to cause damage to the agricultural crop.

An area of 414.00 sq. km. and spread over the three districts of Bankura, Purulia and West

Midnapore was notified as Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve in the year 2002, with an idea to develop

the improve the area and make it suitable for elephant habitat (Map 1)(Anon 2013a, Anon,2013d)

4

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study involves a span of three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12. All informations

were obtained from the Office of PCCF,WL&CWLW and the Divisional Forest Offices of the

following divisions:

Bankura District:- Bankura north Division and Bankura South Division

Purulia District :- Purulia Division, Kangsabati North Division and Kangasabati south Division.

West Midnapore Division:- Midnapore Division, Rupnarayan Division, Jhargram Division and

Kharagpur Division.

All the above-mentioned Forest Divisions are affected due to elephant movement through

their jurisdiction.

It was also established through information received from the Divisional offices (Annon 2010,

Annon 2013a) that there were three distinct groups of elephants that were moving around in the

conflict zone of West Midnapore – Bankura.. One was the migratory elephants from Dalma WLS,

which consisted of two to three herds and having a total number of 80 – 90 elephants. The second

was a group of 20 – 25 residential elephants that moved around in groups of 3 – 4. The third was

again a group of 20 – 25 elephants which had stayed back from the retreating Dalma group and have

also become residents but known as Mayurjharna group because of their distinguishable behaviour.

The elephants migrating to Purulia were distinct from the Dalma herd. There were two

separate herds entering into Purulia from Ranchi and Hazaribagh side of the Jharkhand state and had

separate path of movement (Anon 2013b)

The census of elephants, number of elephants and humans killed and the compensation paid

for the incidence of crop and property damage and injury and human death during the last 10 years

were studied . Detail report of migration of the Dalma herd and the movement of elephants in the

study area and their behavior during movement was obtained from the Divisional Offices and many

ambiguities were cleared through discussion.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Study of migration behaviour shows that the elephant migration route of West Midnapore –

Bankura area is different from the migration route of Purulia (Map 1) (Anon,2013d) and the migration

of the two regions are discussed separately.

5

Map 1. Map showing elephant movements in west Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.

MIGRATION AND MOVEMENT ROUTE OF ELEPHANTS TO WEST MIDNAPORE –

BANKURA AREA

6

The migration chart of elephant herd form Dalma WLS and its movement route through West

Midnapore and Bankura is depicted below (Chart 1), (Anon 2013c):

THE USUAL ROUTE OF MIGRATION:

Jharkhand(Dalma Hill) --> Jhargram Divn --> Midnapur Divn -->

Rupnarayan Divn --> Panchet Divn --> Bankura

NorthDivn --> Panchet Divn --> Rupnarayan Divn -->

Midnapur Divn --> Kharagpur Divn --> JhargramDivn

--> Jharkhand

ROUTE In details

Entry : Dalma hills of Jharkhand <->Kankrajhore <-> Bhulaveda <-> Barigahti <-> Silda <->

Malaboti <-> Sijuaghat (cross Kangsabati River) <-> Lalgarh <-> Goaltore <-> hoomgarh <->

Gorbeta <-> Dhadka <-> Shayamnagar < -> Bankadaha <-> Prakashghat <-> Patrasayar <->

Sonamukhi <-> brindabanpur <-> Barjora

Return : Barjora <-> Sitla <-> Sangrampur <->Brindabanpur <->Sonamukhi <->Radhanagar <-> Panchal

<->Kundalia <-> Onda <-> Bishnupur II <-> Khuliamuri <-> Rajpur <->Peardoba <->Dhadika <->

Gorbeta <-> Hoomgarh <<-->>

Manikpara <-> Kolaikunda <->

Patina <-> Sankarmoni <->

Chandavila <-> Nayagram

Parihati <-> kantaboni <-> Jhargram <-> hodhodi

Jowlbhanga <-> lodhasuli <-> Dalkati <-> Borasuli

<-> golabadi <-> manikpara <-> Kolaikunda <->

Patina <-> Sankarmoni <->Chandabila <->Nayagram

Nayabasat <-> Arabari <->Mirga <-> Moupal <->Chandra

7

Chart 1. Chart showing migration and movement route of herds from Dalma WLS to West

Midnapore – Bankura area.

This route, often with slight variation, is taken by the bigger herd from Dalma WLS and also

the two residential herds whose movement are confined to the West Midnapore – Bankura area. As is

evident from Chart 1 the route is quite long and passes through a large number of human habitations.

The migrating period is also quite long, resulting in prolonged human – elephant interaction ,

increased depredation, and higher compensation.

There is also a shorter migration route (Chart 2, Anon 2013c) where the elephants enter from

Dalma Hills into the Bandoan area of Purulia district, moves to Jhilimili and Ranibandh area of

Bankura district and then to BanspahariI, Bhulaveda area of West Midnapore district. From here it

moves out from the State of West Bengal to the Dalma Hills of Jharkhand State (Anon, 2013b).

Jharkhand (Dalma hills) Bandoan (Purulia Dist) Jhilimili,

Ranibandh

(Bankura Dist)

Banspahari, Bhulabheda (West Midnapore)

Chart 2. Chart showing short migration and movement route of herds from Dalma WLS to

West Midnapore – Bankura area.

Goaltore <-> Lalgarh <-> Sijuaghat <-> Malaboti <->Silda <->

Barigahti <->Bhulaveda<>Kankrajhore <->Dalma hills of

Jharkhand

Chandra <->Moupal<-> Mirga<-> Arabari <->Nayabasat

8

A map showing the major man – elephant conflict areas in the three districts is given below (Map 2)

(Anon, 2013d):-

Map 2. Man – Elephant conflict areas in South West Bengal.

The following Table gives the Elephant census results undertaken during the last 10 years:-

Year South Bengal

2002-03 36 (R)

2003-04 No census done

2004-05 No census done

2005-06 33 (R) + 63 (M)

2006-07 No census done

2007-08 25 (R) (M not recorded)

2008-09 No census done

2009-10 No census done

2010-11 118 (R + M)

2011-12 *No census done

Table 3.Elephant Population during last 10 years in South West Bengal (Anon2011-12)

(Abbreviations:- R – Resident; M – Migratory)

9

(* It was learnt from DFOs of Rupnarayan Divn. and Bankura (North), Divn that there was

approximately 80 – 90 migratory elephants and 25 – 30 Mayurjharna elephants and 25 – 30 residential

elephants visiting these areas during 2011 – 2012.)

Census of elephants during the last 10 years shows that there has been significant rise in the

number of migratory elephants visiting West Midnapore – Bankura area specially in the year 2010 -

2011 This points to the fact that these animals are getting assured shelter and food in this region.

Initially the Dalma herd used to consist of 30 – 40 elephants but presently this number has

gone up to 80 – 90. These migratory elephants use to enter Jhargram from Dalma during the last week

of July or 1st week of September and on an average of 150 – 180 days. This Dalma elephants of 80 –

90 numbers are usually divided in 2 – 3 herds (Anon 2013a).

Study of earlier migration records show that the migratory herds used to come up to Jhargram

Division but were confined to the western part of the Kangsabati River (Anon2013a). Later the

elephants crossed Kangsabati River to the eastern part which was more fertile and provided more food

and finally moved up to Barjora of Bankura District. Good coppice sal forests provided adequate

shelter to the herds during the hot day time. The agriculture in these areas have undergone sea change

with availability of irrigation facilities. The earlier one – crop agriculture has been replaced by

multiple crops and also cash crop. This means that the agricultural fields are under continuous

cultivation and the elephants can get food throughout the year. These elephants now stay in SW

Bengal for a much longer time visiting the areas more than once and even when they return some

elephants stay behind.

Present observations also shows that apart from the migratory elephants there are two

residential herds of which one is known as the Mayurjharna herd to distinguish it from the other

residential herd. The Mayurjharna herd consists of 20 – 25 elephants and has been so named as they

were coming from the areas under Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve. However, this group is thought to

be formed from the left – behind elephants of the Dalma herd, and consists of mainly of maknas,

tuskers and some female. It is believed that he males are social outcast of the Dalma herd and the

females were pregnant and chose to stay back. This group causes the most damage and is very

aggressive. They are also very cunning and when driving is attempted they break into smaller groups

and disperse making any effort to drive them out ineffective. The other residential groups are usually

found in groups of 2 – 3 and roam in different parts of the forests. However it has been observed that

neither the Mayurjharna herd nor the other residential herd stay in the same forest with the Dalma

herd. These elephants stay inside the forest cover during the daytime and come out in the evening

converging on the nearest agricultural fields for food. The elephants are driven out at night time by

special groups/teams called „Hulla party‟. This operation has to be organized systematically as

otherwise it leads to greater damage. The increase in the number of invading elephants aggravated by

the fact of population increase and fragmented nature of forests surrounded by human habitation and

agricultural fields has increased the incidences of crop and property damage and injury and loss of

human life.

10

MIGRATION AND MOVEMENT ROUTE OF ELEPHANTS IN PURULIA AREA

1. 1st Herd Migration and movement route:

Hazaribagh(Jharkhand) Kalma(Jhalda,WB) Haratan Jabar

Nowahatu(Kotshila)

2. 2nd

herd migration and movement route.:

Ranchi (Jharkhand) Pusti Hesla Khamar Kalimati

(Jhalda,

WB)

Kalimati Suisha

The elephants migrating from Jharkhand to Purulia are distinct from the West Midnapur –

Bankura group. The Purulia group consists of two distinct herds and each herd contains 14 – 18

elephants. One herd approaches from the Hazaribagh side and crosses several hillocks and enters from

the North and western side of Kotsila region of non-forest area of about 10 – 12 km and enter into the

Northern part of Jhalda range (Anon 2013b)

The second group comes from Ranchi area and crosses the Subarnarekha river and enters the

Baghmundi range before spreading into the southern part of Jhalda Range (Anon 2013b). Elephant

depredation has become quite common in Jhalda, Kotshila ,Matha, Baghmundi and Ajodhya Ranges

of Purulia Division in recent years. Elephant depredation continues from October till May covering 2

harvest season, one for paddy (October-November) and other for Rabi crops (April-May). In addition

to this, there is a problem of six wild elephants which have become permanent resident of the area

around Ajodhya Hills. A programme of habitat rehabilitation was taken by digging up water holes for

the purpose in the areas falling under elephant route.

Mitigation of Man-Animal Conflict in Purulia district (Anon 2013b):

Worst affected areas –

Block Jhalda-I - Jhalda Range - Ghosra, Kalmadi, Hesla, Kanakpur,

Pusti, Kushi, Veshudi, Chhotobakad

Garakhusi, (mostly

Southern part of Jhalda-I Block).

Block Bagmundi - Bagmundi Range - Peretorang, Pirorgoria, Rangamati,

Kalimati, Suisa, Gagi.

Block Jhalda-II - Kotshila Range - Simni, Jabar, Haratan, Tahadri,

Taherbera, Jarahatu.

11

A study of human deaths in S W Bengal by wild elephants (Table 4) and death of wild

elephants (Table 5) during the last 10 years and ex-gratia relief / compensation paid (Table 6) during

the last three years clearly points to the fact that during 2010 – 2011 the no of elephants had suddenly

increased to a considerable extent leading to increase in conflict, rise in human death and damage of

crop and property and consequent rise in ex-gratia/compensation amount.. Study of elephant deaths in

the study area for the last 10 years (Table 5),also show that there has been more elephant killing

during 2010 – 2011 compared to the other years. (Anon 2011 – 12).

Table 4. Persons Killed by Wild Elephant during last 10 years in South West Bengal

Year Death of Human beings in

South west Bengal

2002-03 20

2003-04 16

2004-05 27

2005-06 25

2006-07 20

2007-08 18

2008-09 22

2009-10 24

2010-11 40

2011-12 22

Table 5. Death of Wild Elephant during last 10 years in South West Bengal

Year Natural

Death

Accident Retaliatory

killing

Declared

Rogue &

eliminated

Total

2002-03 1 - - 1 2

2003-04 3 - - - 3

2004-05 1 1 - - 2

2005-06 1 1 - - 2

2006-07 1 3 - - 4

2007-08 1 1 - - 2

2008-09 3 1 - - 4

2009-10 4 2 - - 6

2010-11 2 5 1 1 9

2011-12 2 2 - - 4

12

Table 6. Payment of Ex-gratia Relief for elephant depredation in South West Bengal during

the last 10 years.

Year Person

killed

(No.)

Person

injured

(No.)

Comp paid

for human

life &

injury.

(Rs)

Livestoc

k killed/

injured

(No.)

Comp

paid for

livestock

killed

(Rs)

Hut

dama

ge

(No.)

Comp

paid for

hut

damage

(Rs)

Crop

damag

e (Ha.)

Comp paid

for crop

damage

(Rs)

Total Comp

(Rs)

2002-03 20 13 296444.00 0 0.00 317 173397.00 709.13 1872763.00 2342604.00

2003-04 16 36 425824.00 0 0.00 896 413982.00 1235.71 3520366.00 4360172.00

2004-05 27 57 378166.00 41 3700.00 1774 414340.00 1898.01 846300.00 1642506.00

2005-06 25 40 644950.47 12 2100.00 1530 900206.00 1926.09 6214962.34 7762218.81

2006-07 20 66 880648.20 78 2100.00 1555 629590.00 1956.86 1902661.61 3414999.81

2007-08 18 55 1687256.82 9 0.00 1694 1799154.00 2035.98 6276939.38 9763350.20

2008-09 22 50 3568933.91 37 24500.00 2041 1941710.00 2453.26 11589771.35 17124915.26

2009-10 24 63 2613092.18 22 14600.00 1399 1805872.00 2332.88 12138446.00 16572010.18

2010-11 40 55 4030033.00 3 6000.00 1359 1716568.00 3488.36 18573501.00 24326102.00

2011-12 23 48 23,94,531.00 16 900 1735 17,77,208.0 2994.60 1,60,88,851.00 2,06,58,876.00

Table 6, shows the consolidated year wise ex-gratia relief paid during the last 10 years in the

three districts (Anon 2011 – 12). The records show that during the year 2010 – 2011 there have been

increased incidences of crop and hut damage, injury and human death. It was learnt that during this

year there had been good rainfall and consequently a good crop. This led the elephants to stay back

for a longer period leading to more interaction with humans and more overall depredation. This trend

can also continue in the future and if such damage and loss of life continues the forest staff would be

under tremendous pressure with risk of assault. It will also be difficult to save the elephants from the

mob fury.

To mitigate the conflict the Forest Divisions have taken up several measures such as planting

agave on the route, raising fodder and bamboo plantation, digging earthen dam and elephant proof

trench, putting up electric fencing, awareness campaign in the affected areas for sensitizing people,

providing fuels, crackers and torches for driving away elephants, putting up organic barriers, alternate

crop patterns, immediate medical treatment for the injured, and immediate payment of exgratia in

case of death.

Although the electric fencing is very effective in controlling the elephant movement it is very

expensive to set up and also to maintain. Moreover it poses danger to the human also and the villagers

mostly damage these fencing. The best option at present appears to be the systematic and controlled

driving though it is easier said than done. Also there is more chance of crop damage during driving.

Large scale awareness and sensitization of people produces good result as it is often the case that in

certain situation mob control becomes more important than elephant control. There was a proposal

from the State Govt. to the Govt. of India to allow capture some problem - creating males to provide

a psychological shock to the remaining elephants so that it is easier to control them. However it is

13

clear that there is no one foolproof way of controlling the elephants and a combination of methods has

to be tried. To make any method successful the local people have to be first educated for proper

handling of the situation and awareness generation has to be stressed upon even more.

The observations made during the study of elephant migration and the related problems in South West

Bengal and the mitigation methods are briefly summarized below and some suggestions for future

course of action are also proposed.

A. Reason for migration and prolonged stay.

1. The migration is mainly in search of food.

2. Agriculturally the eastern bank of Kangsabati River is very fertile and most of the land is

under crop throughout the year providing food to the elephants throughout the year.

3. In most of the Forest patches water is available throughout the year for elephant.

4. In most of the patches forest cover has greately have become more suitable for their stay.

5. Elephant easily get refuge shelter here in these forests patches.

6. The elephant get their most preferred food i.e. sugar cane in this district at Sankrail under

Kharagpur Division.

7. In some of the forest patches they get good fodder.

B. Reasons for extensive damages : -

1. Forests here are mostly in patches, intercepted with habitation and agriculture field.

2. Elephant migratory route are gradually encroached by construction resulting in invention of

new route for the elephant causing extensive damages.

3. Plantation forests are mainly under monocrop i.e. either under eucalyptus / akashmoni

which are not suitable as food for elephant.

4. In some of the forest patches ground floras are not available to be used as food for elephant.

5. Composition of agricultural crops are such that they are very much palatable and easily

available for elephant and for that reason elephant frequently raided the crop field.

6. They found suitable habitat here causing extensive damages throughout the year.

C. Action taken so far :-

1. Energized fencing raised at strategic locations.

2. Elephant proof trench has been dug at strategic location.

3. Massive awareness campaign in the affected areas.

4. Sensitization of Panchayat representatives and police personnel have been undertaken,

4. Organic fencing has been developed at strategic location.

5. Crop compensation has been paid as per availability of fund.

6. Ex gratia have been given to the deceased family.

7. Medical treatment expenditure has been given to the injured person.

14

8. Alternate cropping has been introduced to reduce crop damages like green chilli

cultivation.

9. In some of the patches fodder has been raised as food for elephants.

10. Extension and awareness activities undertaken at various location to educate and sensitize

people towards this problem.

11. As an immediate measure to drive away the elephants hullah party is arranged and

provided with crackers and search light.

12. Advance information to the adjoining ranges to keep the people alert against the probable

attack by elephant.

13. Maintaining coordination and liaison with the local administration and adjoining division.

14. Volunteers, hullah party in JFMC level with the provision of hullah, diesel, search lights

etc.

ANo single preventive action is foolproof and will mitigate all conflict. A combination of

measures both executive and administrative has to be taken up to contain the conflict problem. The

matter should be taken up with Jharkhand for preventive measures at their end and habitat

improvement work at Dalma. Further actions suggested are given below.

Further Actions Suggested :-

1. Obstruction in the form of “elephant proof trench‟, Energized fencing should be raised at

the entry point of elephant i.e. at the West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand border.

2. Jharkhand state Forest Department should be requested to undertake massive habitat

improvement works at Dalma.

3. All sorts of mining activities should be stopped at Dalma hills.

4. Frequent coordination meeting should be called between affected states.

5. Immediate payment of compensation should be arranged.

6. Amount of Ex-gratia should be enhanced.

7. Capture, and translocation of problem elephants; translocation and/or elimination of

established rogue elephants.

8. Monitoring of the movements of elephant population and directional driving of elephant

herds.

9. Holding of seminars, workshops, meetings, publication of education material, slide

shows, film shows and street plays, campaign through electronic media etc. for increasing

awareness among people.

10. Setting up of the elephant squads which are responsible for co-ordinating driving of wild

elephant, promptly attending to the depredation problem, tranquilisation of elephant etc.

Acknowledgements.

The Author is greately indebted to the Divisional Forest Officers of Bankura, West Midnapore and

Purulia Districts, ADFO 24PGs (South) Division, and the Computer section Wildlife (Hq) for letting

15

me access the data required for writing this paper.I am also extremely thankful to Sri P. K. Pandit IFS

of 1996 Batch for his valuable suggestion during preparing this paper.

Reference.

Anon, 2010 . A Paradigm shift in the Elephant depredation in South Bengal. Divisional Report of

Bankura (North) Division.

Anon, 2010-11, State Forest Report. Forest Department, Govt. of West Bengal.

Anon, 2011-12. Annual report, Wildlife Wing, Forest Directorate, Govt. of West Bengal.

Anon, 2013 .Elephant Compensation in Bankura(North). Divisional Report of Bankura

(North) Division.

Anon , 2013a. Elephant depredation problem in Paschim Medinipur. Divisional Report of

Rupnarayan

Division.

Anon, 2013b. Elephant Problem in Purulia. Divisional Report of Purulia division.

Anon, 2013c. Assistant DFO, 24PGs (South) Division, Personal communication.

Anon, 2013d. Data of PCCF,WL&CWLW Office.

Singh, Anil kumar, Rina Singh and Sushanta Chowdhury, 2002. Human – Elephant Conflicts in

Changed Landscapes of South west Bengal. Indian Forester Vol. 128, No. 10, Pgs

1119 – 1132.

Santra, Ajit Kumar, Ashish Kumar Samanta and Subhransu Pan. 2007. Measures adopted to combat

Migratory Elephants in South West Bengal forests.Gajah 27 (2007) 42 – 47.