Villagers of Kaptang-Tsholingkhar of Samdrup Jongkhar’s Martshala Gewog are facing a growing threat from elephants. The tuskers have already destroyed more than seven acres of maize fields. Villagers say, from this year, the elephants have started encroaching on human settlements as well.
As the night falls, Nagden from Kaptang-Tsholingkhar Chiwog attempts to chase the elephants away by shouting from a safe distance but her efforts prove futile.
The next morning, she discovers that her maize plants have already been severely damaged by the elephants. All she can do is stare helplessly at the maize field damaged by the tuskers.
Nagden says villagers here grow maize not only for consumption but as fodder for livestock which is one of their primary sources of income.
“In the past, elephants have not caused damage like this year. They are now destroying maize fields and causing risks to human life. They wouldn’t leave even if chased them away. I installed this fencing for cattle but elephants cross it and destroy my maize field,” said Nagden, a resident of Martshala Gewog.
“We used to have elephants coming around in the past but not near settlements. They just stayed in the forest. However, from this year they are frequenting settlements and damaging our crops. It is risky even if we chase them away by shouting,” said Lhaden, another resident.
“The elephants come and damage our crops. It has been three years now,” said Jampa Gyeltshen, also a resident.
Apart from damaging maize, the tuskers also damaged a vehicle in the chiwog recently and caused minor damage to a house. The villagers are urging local authorities to install solar fencing.
“We need solar fencing if it can be provided. It will benefit us. Currently, it is risky while travelling in and out of the chiwog,” added Jampa Gyeltshen, a resident.
“If possible, it is vital to have solar fencing here. We feel disappointed when animals destroy our hard-earned crops. If we get solar fencing that will benefit us,” added Nagden, another resident.
According to an official from the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, they provide support to villagers to chase away the elephant whenever villagers approach them.
Martshala Gup says the Gewog Administration does not have immediate plans to install solar fencing in Kaptang-Tsholingkhar Chiwog adding that it will be difficult as all the settlements are scattered.
Nonetheless, both the gewog agriculture office and Martshala Gewog Administration say they are exploring ways to install solar electric fencing in the next financial year.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
