Sat May 24 05:38:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation group, and the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee have resumed a project to re-green 100 hectares of degraded forest in Assam’s Udalguri district, near the Bhutan border. The aim is to mitigate human-elephant conflict by providing food and shelter for elephants. The project involves planting native tree species to replenish the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest, which has been affected by illegal logging, encroachment, and a mix of soil conditions. Aaranyak has planted 510 saplings of 11 native species, but the team has an ultimate aim to plant 1 lakh saplings during this summer. The project, supported by the SBI Foundation, seeks to restore elephant habitat, facilitate movement, and promote coexistence between elephants and humans. Mitigating human-elephant conflict requires a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholder approach.
**News Article:**
**Assam Forest Re-Greening Project Aims to Ease Human-Elephant Conflict**
GUWAHATI, May 24, 2025 – A vital project aimed at reducing conflict between humans and elephants has resumed in Assam’s Udalguri district. Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation group, in collaboration with the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee, is working to restore 100 hectares of degraded forest bordering Bhutan.
The initiative focuses on replenishing the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest, which has suffered from illegal logging and encroachment on elephant corridors. The renewed effort involves planting 510 saplings of 11 native species that provide food and shelter for elephants. Aaranyak aims to plant 1 lakh saplings during this summer.
“Habitat replenishment is key to resolving human-elephant conflicts,” explained Rabiya Daimari of Aaranyak. “By restoring this forest, we are creating a sustainable solution for coexistence.”
The area presents challenges, including varied soil conditions and historical disturbances. However, Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist at Aaranyak, emphasized the importance of securing elephant habitat and promoting their movement through the region.
The project, supported by the SBI Foundation, recognizes that human-elephant conflict is a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach. Aaranyak has been working to empower local communities and restore degraded areas with the long-term goal of mitigating such confrontations.
Alolika Sinha, a senior conservation biologist at Aaranyak, added, “Mitigating human-elephant conflict requires a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholder approach.”
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