JHAPA: A significant step has been taken in Jhapa to address the persistent issue of human-elephant conflict with the construction of a 76-km offset solar fence across various locations.
Nearly a decade ago, an 18-km electric fence was established in Bahundangi at a cost of Rs 12 million.
Building on this initiative, the Division Forest Office in Jhapa has now implemented a 35-km solar fencing project in the Jalthal forest area, covering regions adjacent to Haldibari, Kachankawal, Barhadashi, and Bhadrapur, with an estimated cost of Rs 56.527 million.
Further efforts were made in the second phase of the Jalthal forest area, with the installation of 6.39-km of solar fencing in Bhadrapur, costing Rs 10.14 million.
In addition, a 16.98 km solar fence has been erected along the Charali-Magurmadi section of Mechinagar Municipality, funded by the state coffer at a cost of Rs 25.39 million.
The National Trust for Conservation of Nature provided crucial technical expertise for these initiatives.
While these efforts are commendable, it is noted that some previously installed barriers require repair due to deterioration.
The urgency of such measures is underscored by the fact that elephants intrude into human settlements twice yearly from the eastern border, resulting in casualties and fatalities.
Since 2068 BS, 67 individuals have lost their lives in tusker attacks, while 20 elephants have perished since 2062 BS.
A substantial relief amount totaling Rs 71.97 million has been disbursed to victims between 2068 BS and last year.
This year, the toll has been slightly lower, with seven casualties reported due to elephant encounters in Jhapa.
The implementation of these solar fences marks a significant stride in mitigating human-elephant conflict, providing hope for reducing the frequency and severity of such incidents in the region.
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