The human-elephant conflict in Assam takes place at regular intervals. As per the report, clashes between the two different creatures claim the lives of 70 people and 80 pachyderms every year, state Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said on Thursday.
He went on to say in the assembly that the state government has to pay approximately Rs 8–9 crore in compensation due to the damages caused by the elephants.
In replying to a question, he said that humans have been gradually occupying the natural habitats of the biggest mammals of earth, which has forced the animals to move into populated areas in search of food, leading to conflict with humans.
The minister further added that, as a result, property is also being damaged. Currently, more than 5,700, elephants are residing in Assam, he said.
Overall, 509 elephants died of natural causes, while 209 succumbed to strange reasons, 102 were electrocuted, and 65 and 40 died of train accidents and poisoning, respectively. While 18 elephants lost their lives after being hit by lightning in recent years.
The minister also informed that 34.21 percent of the state is covered by forest, as per the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 report.