DIPHU, March 13 - As a confidence-building measure between victims of man-elephant conflict and to avert further assault on elephants, the Department of Forest along with the Wildlife Trust of India distributed rice among the affected villagers.
More than 1,575 kg of rice was distributed among 63 households in Silonijan and Deopani locality, which has witnessed largescale man-elephant conflict in recent times. The rice distribution programme was held at the Northeast Forest Range Office at Silonijan (Bokajan subdivision). Forest officials informed that each household received just a token amount of 25 kg of rice each.
Villagers present opined that the ever increasing demand of land meant for rubber and tea plantation, besides indiscriminate plunder of scarce forest resources since long time has resulted in disintegration of animal habitats in Karbi Anglong district.
