Guwahati, September 1: Biodiversity conservation organisations Aaranyak and WWF-India have jointly installed a total of 10 km-long low-cost solar fence in the fringes of Central Range (Kachugaon) of Raimona National Park in Assam for mitigation of human wildlife conflict (HWC), particularly focusing on human elephant conflict (HEC) and to facilitate coexistence.

This community-managed single-strand solar fence is expected to provide immediate relief from ever increasing incidents of HEC to around 568 households (2700-3000 people) spread across 12 villages and Chubas - Dumbazar Dumbazaar, Hazariguri, Nandipur 1, Nandipur 2, Gwajanpur, Lotamari 1, Santipur, Hadanpur, Golaipara, Thakampur, Rupnathpur, Bathouguri.

The installation of this fence was started on August 11th and successfully completed on 29th August and is all set for formal inauguration and handing over to the community.

Out of the 10 km solar fence, Aaranyak has constructed 4.3 km with the help of local communities. The Aaranyak team comprising Jibon Kumar Chetry and Ripunjoy Kumar Nath and led by Anjan Baruah contributed their effort along with the community members to complete the fence installation work.

The 422-square kilometer Raimona National Park, the youngest and the 6th one in Assam, has four ranges - Eastern Range (Athiabari), Sanfan Range, Central (Kachuagaon), Western Range (Raimona). It was notified as National Park through an Assam Gazette Notification no.FRW.02/2021/27 dtd. 8 June 2021.