Habitat disruption driving elephant incursions in Tripura: Minister

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 3, 2026

Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Tuesday said disruption of natural habitats and obstruction of traditional movement corridors were major reasons behind elephants straying into human settlements in the state.

Addressing a seminar on human-animal interaction at Pragna Bhavan here, Debbarma said elephants often enter inhabited areas after their corridors are blocked or forest lands providing food are encroached upon.

He said the government needed to adopt scientific and practical measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict and suggested radio collaring as a possible step to monitor elephant movement. Emphasising the need to preserve and restore natural habitats, he said elephant corridors should remain functional to allow safe movement of herds.

The minister noted that farmers residing near forest areas were particularly affected, as crop damage caused by elephants had a direct impact on their livelihoods.

Debbarma said seminars and academic discussions should lead to actionable outcomes and stressed the importance of research-based interventions. He added that involvement of young researchers could help in addressing the issue more effectively.

Highlighting conservation efforts, the minister said the state had undertaken measures such as construction of check dams and promotion of agro-forestry projects to conserve forests, soil and water.

He also said the state government would initiate discussions with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to explore the feasibility of constructing underpasses along highways to facilitate safe movement of elephants and reduce human-animal conflict.

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