Assam to increase Gaj Mitra network to 200 to curb elephant conflict
Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced new compensation timelines and expanded monitoring roles during a departmental review meeting in Guwahati.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah chaired a virtual meeting with senior Forest Department officials and District Forest Officers at Aranya Bhawan in Panjabari, Guwahati, to address human-elephant conflict.
According to The Sentinel, the state will increase the number of ‘Gaj Mitras’ to between 150 and 200 to better monitor and prevent encounters between humans and wild elephants. Each Gaj Mitra will be provided an honorarium of Rs 1,000.
The meeting established new timelines for relief, stating that families of individuals killed in wild elephant attacks will receive Rs 6 lakh compensation within two days of an incident. Farmers facing paddy crop damage by elephants will receive Rs 8,000 per bigha within three days.
Officials also discussed timber industry regulations and departmental revenue during the session. The discussions focused on enhancing Forest Department efficiency, improving monitoring, and increasing coordination among officials to manage new challenges.
The decisions aim to improve responses to human-wildlife conflict and ensure that affected communities receive timely assistance.