Human-Elephant Conflict Escalates in Jharkhand: A Long-Standing Crisis

The struggle between humans and wild elephants is intensifying not only in Khunti, Jharkhand, but also in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and other states. What fuels this escalating conflict? According to a retired forest official from Rania, the primary reason is the loss of elephant habitats due to illegal and indiscriminate deforestation. This forces elephants to seek food and water in villages, leading to attacks on residents. Furthermore, the presence of Naxalites in dense forests also drives elephants out of their natural habitats. A retired teacher from Torpa highlights that protecting elephants is crucial for preserving the balance of nature, as they are an integral part of our lives. A progressive farmer from Karra block emphasizes that forests like Saranda, Indravan, and Nagra, which once served as safe havens for elephants, are shrinking, and the consequences are being felt by the local population.