In an effort to spread awareness World Elephant Day 2023 was organised on August 12. This year’s theme was Ending the Illegal Wildlife Trade. Along with several parts of the world, Assam too celebrated World Elephant Day 2023.
The forest departments of Assam and Meghalaya organised a combined event to mark the day. It was organised in the Thakurbilla locality of the North Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. And it aimed to make way for interstate coordination to mitigate the problem of human-elephant conflict.
The theme of this event was Safeguarding Elephant Habitats for a Sustainable Tomorrow. Several organisations including the forest departments of Assam and Meghalaya, British Trust, Aaranyak and Darwin Initiative were part of this celebration. It also saw the participation of over 300 people from the neighbouring states. The number also included nearly 180 women from neighbouring villages. Several experts in the field and dignitaries from the administration and forest department took part in the event.
Speaking on the occasion DC Goalpara (Assam) Khanindra Choudhury welcomed the joint initiative. And mentioned that this will go a long way towards the mitigation of human-elephant conflicts. He also mentioned the shrinking elephant habitat and obstruction to their natural migration routes. And the need to sensitize people regarding the ill effects of the same. Jude Rangku T Sangma, ADC North Garo Hills also attended the event. He also highlighted that elephants are unaware of the political boundaries. And it has become essential for coordination between humans to solve the problems of conflicts.
The Panbari Forest Office also organised another event to mark World Elephant Day 2023. Officials from the Manas National Park and the Bodoland Territorial Council took part in this event. The field experts bathed a total of 25 elephants including adults and calves. They also organised a religious event in respect of the majestic animals. The officials also organised a parade to spread awareness among the local people. The parade also saw the participation of the elephants.
Featured photo courtesy Abhijit Bose.
