The Delicate Dance, Elephants notice
The Delicate Dance: Humans and Elephants in Jharkhand
As I traveled
through Jharkhand, a state nestled in eastern India, a roadside sign caught my
eye. It wasn't your typical traffic warning, but a message from the Forest
Department highlighting the "elephant menace." Intrigued, I stopped
for a cup of tea with a local shopkeeper. Here, I learned the story behind the
sign: the unfortunate conflict between humans and these majestic creatures.
A Broken
Balance
Elephants,
forced from their natural habitat due to deforestation, increasingly wander
into villages. This has devastating consequences. Crops, a source of livelihood
for many families, are destroyed. Property is damaged, and tragically, lives
are lost. This "menace" is a symptom of a broken balance.
Understanding
the Plight of Both
The anger
directed towards elephants is understandable. Rice, a staple food, is at stake.
However, we must remember that elephants are also victims. Deforestation,
poaching, and noise pollution disrupt their lives, leading to stress and
aggression. Just like humans, they feel pain and anger.
A Glimpse of
Hope
There is hope,
however. Conservationists are finding innovative solutions. Beehives placed
around fields deter elephants, as they have a natural aversion to these buzzing
guardians. Additionally, elephant corridors are being developed to allow them
safe passage.
Learning to
Coexist
The statistics
are grim. Jharkhand has witnessed a disproportionate number of elephant-human
conflicts, with many fatalities on both sides. Limiting train speeds and
creating a greener environment are crucial steps.
A Call to
Action
The story of
Jharkhand is a stark reminder of the delicate dance between humans and
wildlife. By protecting forests, creating corridors, and fostering empathy, we
can learn to coexist with these magnificent creatures.
#JharkhandElephants
#HumanWildlifeConflict #Conservation
Text and Photo
by Ashok Karan
[Link to Ashok
Karan's Blog]
Veteran Journalist Shaji M Joseph showing the Notice Board
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