CURRENT CONTEXT: Assam cabinet launched the Gajah Mitra scheme to reduce rising human–elephant conflicts. Between 2000–2023, 1,400+ human and 1,200+ elephant deaths occurred in the state.

 ABOUT GAJAH MITRA:

• Scope: Covers 80 high-risk villages across eight districts: Goalpara, Udalguri, Nagaon, Baksa, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat & Biswanath.
• Habitat creation: Planting bamboo and Napier grass, elephant-preferred foods, to discourage village intrusions.
• Rapid-response teams: Eight-person local groups active during harvesting season for six months to safely redirect elephants.
• Support partnerships: Community teams aid forest officials; includes efforts like solar fencing and corridor restoration.