In a significant step towards mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC) in
Assam, leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, with support from SBI
Foundation, has successfully installed a nearly 10-kilometre-long community-managed
solar-powered fence system in Bhangrikuchi village of Baksa district in Assam.
The initiative covers 18 hamlets and safeguards the croplands and around 285 households
that have long faced conflicts with wild elephants.
Bhangrikuchi has been highly vulnerable to frequent encounters with wild elephants, leading
to severe damage to agricultural fields and residential property.
The newly-installed fence system provides a safe, non-lethal and eco-friendly deterrent to
elephants besides discouraging use of illegal and hazardous electric fence to ward off wild
elephants.
Beyond protection, the initiative fosters community ownership and solidarity. The formation
of the Bhangrikuchi Solar-powered Fence Management Committee ensures local
stewardship, reinforces long-term sustainability and collective responsibility for maintenance
and monitoring of the fence.
Prior to installation, Aaranyak conducted extensive community briefings and on-field
demonstrations to familiarise villagers with the solar-powered fence mechanism, safety
protocols and basic upkeep procedures. Active participation from community members
played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth implementation.
The initiative was implemented by Aaranyak’s field team — Abhijit Saikia, Dibakar Nayak,
Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Bikash Tossa, Manav Nayak and Pradip Barman under
the guidance of Anjan Baruah, Assistant Manager, Elephant Research and Conservation
Division (ERCD), Aaranyak.
The solar-powered fence was formally inaugurated on February 4 by the Village Head and
officially handed over to the community in the presence of members of the Fence
Management Committee and representatives from the 18 hamlets. Around 50 community
members attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Anjan Baruah emphasised collective responsibility, adherence to
safety protocols and regular maintenance to ensure that the fence remains effective and
sustainable in the long run.
The handover programme was facilitated by the Bhangrikuchi Solar Fence Management
Committee along with Aaranyak team members Rabiya Daimari, Abhijit Saikia, Dibakar
Nayak, Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Pradip Barman, Imon Abedin and Hemanta
Phukan.
