In a significant effort to reduce human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam, Aaranyak, a leading wildlife conservation organization, has installed 30 solar streetlights across 21 villages in the HEC-prone districts of Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur.

The initiative, supported by the SBI Foundation, is aimed at preventing accidental encounters between humans and elephants, which often result in property damage, injury, and loss of life on both sides.

These districts experience frequent human-elephant conflict, particularly during the night when visibility is low.

By strategically placing solar streetlights in vulnerable areas, Aaranyak’s project seeks to improve visibility, allowing villagers to detect the presence of elephants from a safe distance and take precautionary measures.

“The solar lights have been installed in key locations identified in collaboration with local communities and members of the Elephant Conservation Network (ECN),” said Dr. Alolika Sinha, a senior biologist with Aaranyak.

“This initiative helps prevent distressing encounters and promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.”

Local communities played an active role in the project, with their input being critical to identifying high-risk areas for elephant encounters.

The installation of solar streetlights, designed to function efficiently even in remote areas without reliable electricity, is seen as a practical tool for mitigating conflict.

By illuminating pathways and crop fields, the lights provide early warning signs to villagers when elephants are nearby, reducing the risk of accidents after dark.

The initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, particularly in regions where humans and animals share land and resources. “This collaborative effort demonstrates that with the right tools and community engagement, it’s possible to find solutions that benefit both wildlife and people,” Dr. Sinha added.

Human-elephant conflict has been a growing concern in Assam, where expanding human settlements and agriculture often encroach on traditional elephant habitats, leading to confrontations. Aaranyak’s efforts, in partnership with local residents and organizations like the ECN, are helping to create safer environments for both elephants and humans while promoting harmony in shared spaces.

This project is part of a broader initiative by Aaranyak to address human-wildlife conflict through innovative and sustainable solutions. As these efforts continue to gain traction, they serve as a model for similar initiatives in other conflict-prone regions.