Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma has urged the Ministry of Railways and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to build underpasses along key stretches of the state’s elephant corridor to curb rising man-elephant conflict.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, the minister explained that Tripura’s elephant corridor once extended through dense forests up to Chittagong in Bangladesh. This continuous green belt allowed wild elephants to move freely without disturbing human habitats.
However, the landscape has changed drastically over the years. The construction of barbed-wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border led to the fragmentation of elephant habitats. As a result, elephant herds are now restricted to smaller forest pockets, often forcing them to wander into nearby villages in search of food and water. This frequent movement into human settlements has triggered an increasing number of conflicts between local communities and wild elephants.
Minister Animesh Debbarma noted that expanding railway lines and national highways passing through forest zones have further disrupted elephant movement. “Due to new railway and highway projects cutting through elephant habitats, the herds are unable to migrate easily within the forest. Underpasses will allow elephants to move safely without crossing busy tracks and roads, which will help reduce man-animal conflict significantly,” he said.
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Need for Habitat Support and Food Sources
Wildlife experts have long emphasized that elephants follow a natural migratory path. They usually stay within forest areas when adequate food and water are available. To discourage elephants from entering human settlements, experts recommend planting large clusters of banana trees and bamboo inside forest zones. These natural food sources would keep elephant herds engaged within their habitat, minimizing their movement toward agricultural fields and residential areas.
Strengthening Wildlife Conservation
The minister was addressing participants during the state-level Wildlife Week celebration in Tripura. While highlighting ongoing conservation initiatives, Debbarma stressed the importance of protecting the state’s rich biodiversity.
“Tripura is home to more than 100 listed wildlife species. Every species has a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. Preserving them is essential to protect our environment and forest ecosystem,” he stated.
The Forest Minister also announced a significant boost to the state’s conservation manpower. The Forest Department is set to recruit 194 personnel, including 104 forest guards and 90 rangers. According to him, this move will enhance patrolling capabilities, help prevent poaching activities, and tackle illegal encroachments on forest land.
He added that improving forest management and safeguarding wildlife habitats is a major priority for the government. Increasing trained manpower will help the department respond faster to wildlife emergencies, protect sensitive zones and strengthen ground-level conservation actions.
Government’s Vision for Human-Wildlife Harmony
Tripura has seen rising instances of human-elephant conflict in recent years as development projects continue across forest areas. The proposed underpass solution aims to strike a balance between infrastructure growth and wildlife safety.
Authorities believe that creating dedicated movement paths for elephants and restoring their natural habitat will significantly decrease conflict cases. The state also plans to continue awareness campaigns to educate villagers living near forest belts on how to deal with elephant sightings and avoid confrontational situations.
minister Animesh Debbarma reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term wildlife protection. With coordinated efforts between the Forest Department, central government agencies and local communities, Tripura aims to create a sustainable coexistence model for humans and wildlife.
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