Gajah Kotha Project launched in Assam- 2023

Gajah Kotha Project: In an effort to reduce the growing human-elephant conflict (HEC) issue, Assam has launched the “Gajahkotha” Campaign, involving over 1,200 individuals.

Gajah Kotha Project:-

The campaign focuses on HEC-affected villages in eastern Assam, where it aims to educate residents about the behaviour, ecology and cultural significance of elephants in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation.

Led by Aranyak, a leading Guwahati-based wildlife NGO, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department and supported by the Darwin Initiative, the initiative reflects their dedication to promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants .

So far, the campaigns have taken place at various places like Haladhibari, Jaborchuk Kathoni, Gajera, Gajera High School, Ujani Majuli Kherkatiya High School, Pub Majuli Kherkatiya High School, Jaborchuk Basa and Jopanchuk of Majuli.

Aranyak has collaborated with various local organizations to actively engage community members and nurture future advocates in each area affected by Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).

Through these partnerships, organizations and community members have the opportunity to engage with experts at Aaranyak to exchange ideas on innovative approaches that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

With a rich elephant population of around 5,000 Asian elephants, Assam is second only to Karnataka in terms of elephant population in India. However, the region faces increasing conflicts as a result.

Encroachment on natural habitats, fragmentation of forests, and inadequate management of elephant corridors have played a role in escalating these conflicts, highlighting the critical importance of initiatives such as “Gajakotha” in promoting a sustainable coexistence.

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Chief Minister of Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma.