Shillong, Apr 12: Meghalaya recorded the deaths of 92 people and 58 elephants due to human-animal conflict over the past 16 years, according to a national study.
The study, which analysed data from 2009 to 2024, reveals that 7,868 people were killed in elephant encounters across 16 states, averaging 492 deaths annually.
Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam accounted for nearly 70 percent of all deaths, with Odisha reporting the highest number of fatalities at 1,495. Meghalaya’s relatively lower numbers are attributed to its unique landscape and smaller populations.
Electrocution is the leading cause of elephant deaths, with most Meghalaya cases linked to power infrastructure in forested areas. Biodiversity organisation Aaranyak is working with the state to mitigate human-elephant conflict and boost conservation efforts.
A recent cross-border awareness programme at Ketekibari village highlighted the challenges faced by communities straddling the Assam-Meghalaya border. Residents have been grappling with elephant depredation, crop loss and property damage, leading to rising tensions.
Experts attribute the conflict to habitat fragmentation, agriculture expansion and overlap between human activity and elephant corridors. The study suggests focused, region-specific efforts are needed to address the issue in Meghalaya.
