Tue Jun 24 04:52:28 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
An artist collective called Chalchitra Academy is using wall art in villages in the forest-dominated Jhargram area of West Bengal to raise awareness about human-elephant conflict. The initiative aims to educate villagers on how to avoid provoking elephants who are entering villages in search of food due to deforestation and mining. By painting walls with messages promoting tolerance and caution, the artists hope to foster a kinder relationship between villagers and elephants, particularly among the younger generation.
**News Article:**
**West Bengal Artists Use Wall Art to Ease Human-Elephant Conflict**
*Konedoba, West Bengal –* In the forest-rich Jhargram area of West Bengal, where human-elephant encounters are increasingly common, a unique initiative is taking shape. The Chalchitra Academy, an artist collective from Kolkata, has been working in the region for several years and is now leveraging the power of wall art to promote peaceful coexistence between villagers and elephants.
Facing constant deforestation and mining practices elephants increasingly stray into villages in search of food, often leading to conflict that can turn deadly. The artists aim to educate villagers, particularly the younger generation, on how to behave responsibly when encountering these animals.
“The human-elephant conflict is making constant headlines here now,” said Mrinal Mandal, a founding member of Chalchitra Academy. “While it is up to the government to take preventive measures, as artists we can only make villagers aware of how to deal kindly with the jumbos.”
The academy’s work extends beyond awareness campaigns. They also teach art to villagers, encouraging them to decorate their own homes and participate in workshops led by veteran tribal artists. This fosters a sense of community and artistic expression while reinforcing the message of wildlife conservation.
The initiative is currently active in Konedoba, Dorkhuli, Suhabasha, and Jorakhali, where artists, led by Koustab Chakraborty, are painting walls with images and messages that encourage villagers to keep a safe distance from elephants and avoid provoking them.
“Wall mural is thousands of years old and this medium of story-telling works even today,” Mandal explained. “I am hoping that the younger generation will be kinder to animals after engaging with our art.”
The Chalchitra Academy’s work serves as a creative and community-driven approach to addressing the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict in West Bengal.
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