State Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary stated the conflict between humans and elephants in Assam results in an average annual death toll of more than 70 people and 80 elephants.
Human-Elephant Conflict
Chandra Mohan Patowary, in response to a query from Congressman Rekibuddin Ahmed, stated, ”As more and more people occupy the elephants’ native habitats, the animals are compelled to leave their normal habitats in search of food, which results in conflict with people.”
They come into conflict with others during their regular movement procedure. As a result and in addition to causing property damage, more than 70 people and 80 elephants are killed on average annually,” the ministry stated.
Notably, there are currently more than 5,700 elephants living in Assam. 1,330 elephants have perished between 2001 and 2022, with the year 2013 seeing the most deaths with 107 pachyderms, followed by 2016 with 97, and 2014 with 92, the ministry added.