The Assam government is set to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the rising incidents of human-elephant conflict and the growing monkey menace across the state. The framework is expected to be finalised by July 22 or 23 following detailed consultations during the ongoing Assembly Budget Session.
The decision comes after a high-level meeting involving ministers and MLAs from districts severely affected by human-wildlife conflict. Officials said the SOP will incorporate suggestions from legislators to ensure mitigation measures are tailored to local conditions.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah described human-elephant conflict as one of the state's most pressing challenges, saying it claims nearly 150 human lives every year.
“The human-elephant conflict and monkey menace have become major challenges for Assam. We discussed compensation for affected families, crop losses, and both short-term and long-term measures,” Baruah said.
He added that MLAs have been asked to submit area-specific recommendations, which will be incorporated into the SOP to ensure region-specific interventions.
As part of its long-term strategy, the government plans to improve elephant habitats through large-scale afforestation, removal of forest encroachments, and increasing the availability of food and water within forest areas. The initiative also includes identifying and securing dedicated elephant corridors using solar-powered fencing and bio-fencing to reduce elephant movement into human settlements.
Baruah said the state has already been divided into different elephant management zones based on elephant movement patterns and population distribution. Separate consultations with MLAs, wildlife experts and forest officials will be held in each zone to develop targeted mitigation measures.
Addressing the growing monkey menace, the minister said the Forest Department is considering a statewide sterilisation programme to control the monkey population, which has been causing widespread damage to homes, crops and horticultural plantations in several parts of Assam.
Officials said the proposed SOP, once finalised, is expected to provide a structured and coordinated approach to managing human-wildlife conflict while balancing conservation efforts with the safety of local communities.
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