In a significant step toward wildlife conservation, the deep forests of South Bengal are witnessing the creation of a "dream home" for elephants. The initiative of the state forest department is aimed to provide a safe and sustainable habitat for these gentle giants and address the growing issue of human-elephant conflict.
Under this ambitious project, 22 ‘microhabitats’ are being developed across the forests of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore, and Jhargram districts in south Bengal. These areas will be enriched with trees and plants that elephants naturally prefer, including mahua, mango, bel, bora, neem, bamboo, shimul, and banana. Additionally, large water bodies will be created to ensure that elephants have access to sufficient drinking and bathing water, crucial for their well-being.
According to forest department sources, Bengal has more than 800 elephants at present.
In 2024, 13 persons were killed and crops of a few hundred acres were destroyed after elephants strayed into the villages located near forests across Bengal. In 2023, a total of 24 persons were trampled by wild elephants.
Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals that rely on established migratory routes to find food and water. However, deforestation, habitat loss, and human encroachment have increasingly pushed them into human settlements, leading to frequent conflicts.
According to S. Kulandivel, Chief Conservator of Forests, the best solution is not to drive elephants away but to provide them with an enriched habitat where they can thrive naturally.
"We call these ‘microhabitats’. By enhancing the forests with more food sources and permanent water bodies, we are creating an environment where elephants feel safe and do not need to venture into human areas," Kulandivel explained.
Seven such elephant-friendly ponds have already been dug in the Barjora forest area of Bankura, and the results are promising. The presence of adequate food and water has significantly reduced elephant raids into nearby villages.
Studies suggest that elephants have exceptional memory, and once they recognize a location as a reliable resource hub, they are likely to return instead of straying into human settlements.
The initiative comes in the wake of several tragic incidents where elephants have suffered due to conflicts with humans. Just August last year, a pregnant elephant that entered Jhargram city was killed by flaming spears thrown by a frightened mob. Earlier this month, an elephant in Jalpaiguri was seriously injured when villagers used a bulldozer to chase it away.
“These incidents highlight the urgent need for a long-term solution that ensures the safety of both elephants and humans,” said a forest department officer.
The forest department estimates that the full development of these microhabitats will take five years, but elephant herds are expected to begin using them within three years. If successful, this project could become a model for other elephant-prone regions in India, balancing conservation with human safety.
“In the broader context of wildlife conservation, this initiative underscores the need for sustainable solutions that benefit both humans and animals. By restoring and enhancing elephant habitats, South Bengal is taking a proactive step toward reducing conflict and fostering a future where humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully,” said the official.
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