To deal with human elephant conflict Assam govt launched anti Depredation Squads of Forest Department

Guwahati: To deal with human elephant conflict, Assam government launched anti Depredation Squads of Forest Department. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today ceremonially launched 15 Anti Depredation Squads of Forest Department which would be stationed in 15 major human wildlife conflict districts in order to mitigate the problem and to ensure safety of both humans and wildlife.

Forest Department is engaging specially trained 50 frontline staff to handle conflict situations. 100 more staff will be trained in the coming days. The anti depredation squads will be equipped with all logistics required for mitigating the conflict. Currently 150 number of 12 Bore pump action guns and 15,000 rounds of rubber bullet ammunition will be at the disposal of the squads.

Sonowal said that loss of lives of both humans and animals is unwarranted and the squads must spread awareness about avoiding man-animal conflicts. Peaceful coexistence is must for man and animals and squads would be a great addition to Forest Department in order to reduce casualties in conflict situations. He emphasised on the need to bring the casualties to zero by completely reducing man animal conflict situations and urged the people of the state to cooperate with squads in spreading awareness about animal behaviour.