Bokaro: Senior officials from the forest department, district administration, wildlife experts and members of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) took part in a high-level meeting in Petarwar on Friday to chalk out a long-term strategy to curb growing man-elephant conflict in Bokaro district.The participants took part in discussions focused on ensuring safer coexistence between humans and elephants while strengthening the livelihoods of communities dependent on forests.Notably, 15 people have lost their lives across the district in the past one year in elephant attacks as herds entered villages, damaged standing crops. Around the same time, 14 people were injured in these attacks. Large stretches of farmland were also damaged, affecting the livelihood of rural families.Frequent elephant movement has forced villagers in several areas to spend sleepless nights, often taking shelter in concrete structures such as schools and community halls for safety.The meeting was attended Principal Chief Conservator of Forests -Wildlife Rajiv Ranjan, deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, Bokaro divisional forest officer Nitish Kumar and representatives of JICA and experts from Project Ganesha.“During the discussions, officials deliberated on scientific and practical measures to minimise conflict and improve elephant management. The administration highlighted ongoing efforts in vulnerable villages,” said DC.
