In response to the rising number of elephant attacks on human settlements, the Jalpaiguri Forest Department has launched a major project to install solar-powered fencing across 66 kilometers of forest-adjacent areas. The move is aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict and protecting lives and property in vulnerable fringe zones.

For years, forest villages under the Jalpaiguri division relied on battery-operated fences that have now become defunct due to poor maintenance and neglect. With no power reaching the wires, elephants have repeatedly crossed into nearby settlements, leading to deaths, destruction of homes, and large-scale crop damage.

According to forest department records, 25 people have died in elephant attacks in the forested regions of North Bengal in the last four months alone.

Critical zones identified

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vikas V confirmed that surveys have been completed to identify critical breach points where fencing is broken or absent. “We will install solar fencing along 60 kilometers of roads and forest boundaries,” he said. “Both repair and new installation work will be carried out based on our assessment. Once completed, this is expected to significantly reduce elephant incursions.”

The project has brought a sense of reassurance to residents of affected villages. Subal Paik, president of the Joint Forest Management Committee of Bichbhanga forest settlement, expressed gratitude: “We have long been demanding the renovation of the old fencing. We’re happy that the forest department has finally taken this much-needed step.”

Officials emphasised that the solar-powered fencing is a long-term, eco-friendly solution to the growing human-wildlife conflict. “With elephant attacks increasing in recent months, we believe this initiative will be a crucial measure in ensuring safety for both people and animals,” said a senior forest department official.