Farming, development works threaten elephant corridors
URGENT NEED Experts say unchecked development will force elephants to stray into human habitat
DEHRADUN: Erratic farming practices and unplanned development work threaten the 12 elephant corridors of the state, posing a major risk to the lives of pachyderms.
A study named ‘Right of Passage-Elephant Corridors of India’, conducted by International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Asian Nature Conservation Foundation (ANCF) in 2005, had earmarked 12 stretches for the smooth passage of elephants in Uttarakhand. Back then, the wildlife bodies had also sought legal status for the corridors.
Conservationists, too, are of the idea that unchecked development would force the elephants to stray into human habitat and in the process increase chances of man-animal conflicts in the region.
“The reason why areas around Rajaji National Parkin Dehradun, Haridwar forest division and Terai areas are reeling under human-animal conflict is the shrinking elephant habitat. The pachyderms have nowhere to go.
They intrude into human settlements, damaging their property, agriculture and even life,” AK Singh, team leader of Terai Arch landscape (TAL) World Wide Fund, told Hindustan Times. Singh, too, wants a legal status for the corridors to ensure free movement of elephants.
About two decades ago, the traditional route taken by elephants spanned two kilometres and extended from Royal Sukhlaphanta National Park in Nepal to Corbett in Uttarakhand via Lagga Bagga on the Indo-Nepal border and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. However, biotic pressure and abrupt growth of villages on the stretch have blocked the passage.
Another significant corridor — Rawasan-Sona Nadi —extends from Khoh River in the western Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to east of Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR). The corridor spans five kilometers and is dotted with several human settlements. The passage assumes significance because it is one of the longest elephant stretches in the country.
Kansro-Barkote corridor, which is about 2.25-km long, has no human settlements but over 450 families are dependent on the corridor for agricultural purposes.
State forest minister Dinesh Agarwal, however, advocates for the rights of people.
“We cannot provide corridors a legal sanctity as it will create difficulties for the people of state. We have to look for a solution that benefits both. I will see what can be done in this regard,” he said.
Uttarakhand is home to 1,797 elephants, an increase from 1,559 in 2012. Forest department figures claim that 128 elephants have died since the formation of the state.