The A’chik Students’ Welfare Association (ASWA) and Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) have written to the Divisional Forest Officer of West Garo Hills to urge for action against elephants in the Selsella area.
Over the past few weeks, there have been frequent occurrences of elephants entering residential areas, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the local residents, the two groups said in a letter dated today.
“These elephants have been known to approach people’s homes, causing distress and fear among the community members. Considering the potential danger these situations pose to human life, we earnestly request your immediate intervention in providing advanced security measures for the protection of the residents in the affected areas,” the pressure groups added.
They further requested a team of trained personnel to be dispatched to the area to assess the situation, implement necessary preventive measures and ensure the safe relocation of these elephants away from populated areas. Additionally, they sought the DFO’s help in raising awareness among the local community about coexisting with wildlife and adopting practices to minimise human-wildlife conflict.