Kathmandu:The Ministry of Forests and Environment is preparing to launch an urgent and comprehensive project to mitigate the increasing human-elephant conflict in the eastern Terai region of Nepal. In response to the rising number of human casualties and damage to property and agriculture, the ministry held an interaction program on Wednesday with various development partners and stakeholders to gather feedback and build consensus.

Joint Project with Modern Technology and Local Participation

Forest Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri announced that a project will be formulated with support from partner organizations, integration of modern technology, and active local participation. He stressed the urgency of addressing the issue and committed to both short-term and long-term solutions, including the simplification of relief distribution procedures for affected families.

Tragic Toll and Urgent Need for Action

Since 2000, elephant attacks have claimed the lives of 345 people in Nepal, while 55 elephants have died due to human retaliation or electrocution. The conflict continues to result in massive losses of crops, livestock, and homes—especially among vulnerable and poor communities.

Minister of State for Forests Rupa BK emphasized the need for collective responsibility beyond the Ministry of Forests, urging involvement from all government levels to address the growing problem.

Calls for Awareness, Alternative Farming, and India Coordination

Ministry Joint Secretary Buddhisagar Poudel highlighted the need for education, awareness, and promotion of alternative farming practices in affected communities. He noted that easing the relief process can help reduce feelings of revenge and further escalation.

Experts from various organizations echoed similar sentiments:

-Dr. Narendra Manbabu Pradhan (IUCN Nepal) said up to 70% of human losses could be prevented through behavioral change and awareness programs.

-Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung (WWF Nepal) stressed that cross-border coordination with India is essential, as many elephants enter from Indian territory.

-Dr. Naresh Subedi (NTNC) emphasized the effectiveness of fencing wire technology and the need to better equip ground-level conservation staff.

-Dr. Bhagwan Dahal (Geological Society of London Nepal) recommended identifying elephant corridors and adopting technology-driven solutions.

-Dr. Shalu Adhikari (FAO Nepal) pointed to agricultural insurance schemes as a tool for sustainable wildlife management.

Conservation Officials Note Gender-Based Impact

Senior ecologist Haribhadra Acharya from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation presented data suggesting that the eastern Terai faces more damage due to the higher number of male elephants, while regions like Bardiya, which have more female elephants, report fewer incidents.

Acharya added that damage occurs almost equally inside and outside protected areas, but is lower in core zones.

Existing Measures and the Road Ahead

The ministry has been working to curb human-elephant conflict through various means: relocating problem elephants, offering treatment and rescue services, distributing relief, launching awareness campaigns, building fences, and promoting alternative livelihoods. Scholarship programs and employment opportunities for victims’ families have also been introduced.

With 230 wild elephants and 180 domesticated elephants across the country, the ministry’s upcoming project aims to bring a more structured, technology-based, and community-centered approach to resolving the persistent conflict—ushering in what officials hope will be a safer future for both people and elephants.