The growing spectre of human-elephant conflict in north Bengal has prompted the Jalpaiguri Forest Department to launch a major initiative to install solar-powered fencing across forest-adjacent areas, replacing defunct battery-run barriers that have long failed to keep marauding elephants at bay.
Stretching across 66 kilometres, the solar fencing will be laid along vulnerable patches of six forest ranges under the Jalpaiguri division. Officials say this long-overdue move aims to secure the lives and livelihoods of forest-fringe communities that have been battered by repeated elephant incursions.
According to department records, at least 25 people have been killed in elephant-related incidents in forested pockets of north Bengal over the last four months alone. Crops have been trampled, homes damaged, and fear has gripped entire settlements as herds venture deep into human habitation.
“We will install solar fencing along 60 kilometres of roads and forest boundaries,” said Divisional Forest Officer Vikas V. “The survey has been completed and we have identified the areas where repairs are needed as well as places that require new fencing. Once the fencing work is completed, elephant attacks in the forest settlement areas are expected to reduce significantly.”
The plan involves replacing broken battery-powered fences, many of which had been left in disrepair for years, rendering them ineffective. Without regular maintenance or steady power supply, the old systems failed to deter elephant movements, resulting in mounting casualties and property damage.
Also read: 25 killed in 4 months as elephants storm north Bengal villages
Forest department officials confirmed that detailed surveys have already been carried out to map critical zones and determine fencing gaps. The upcoming solar-powered installations are expected to offer greater durability and require less maintenance.
The move has brought hope to villagers living under constant threat. Subal Paik, president of the Joint Forest Management Committee in the Bichbhanga forest settlement, welcomed the initiative. “We have long been demanding the renovation of the old fencing. We’re happy that the forest department has finally taken this much-needed step,” he said.
An official from the Forest Department noted that the solar fencing project is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing conflict in a sustainable manner. “Authorities have emphasised its commitment to protecting communities and reducing human-wildlife conflict through long-term, sustainable measures. With elephant attacks becoming more frequent in recent months, we believe the new solar fencing will play a crucial role in mitigating the crisis,” the official said.
The forest fringe areas of Jalpaiguri have long witnessed a fragile coexistence between humans and elephants. But the rising number of deadly encounters has made urgent intervention inevitable. Officials are hopeful that with modern technology and proactive planning, the new solar fencing system will stem the tide of destruction and bring lasting relief to affected communities.
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