In a significant move to address the escalating Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam, Aaranyak, a prominent biodiversity conservation organisation based in Guwahati, has introduced two new tools aimed at enhancing human-elephant coexistence and reducing conflict.
The newly developed mobile application, named HaatiApp or ElephantApp, is designed to function as an early warning system. It alerts communities about the presence of wild elephants near human settlements, helping villagers avoid potentially dangerous encounters.
The app includes a feature for submitting ex-gratia application forms for compensation due to damages caused by elephants. Aaranyak will assist in processing these forms and submitting them to the respective Forest Divisions, complementing the Forest Department’s compensation efforts.
Senior conservation scientist Bibhuti P Lahkar, Head of Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division or ERCD, emphasised the app’s role in reducing human-elephant conflicts and its potential impact on local communities. The initiative is backed by the SBI Foundation.
In conjunction with the launch of HaatiApp, Aaranyak has produced a comprehensive handbook in Assamese on solar-powered fences. This manual provides detailed guidance on the use of solar fences as an effective measure for mitigating HEC.
It covers the utility of solar fences, the functioning of their components, installation procedures, and maintenance tips, along with practical advice on their use. The handbook is intended for grassroots communities involved in fence management, forest department staff, contractors engaged in installation, and other conservation organisations.
The development of the Solar Fence Manual has been supported by the British Asian Trust and the Darwin Initiative. Both the ‘HaatiApp’ and the Solar Fence Manual will be formally launched on August 10 during a ceremony in Guwahati, marking a significant step forward in conflict mitigation efforts in the region.