10-km solar-powered fence operationalised to protect 285 households, cropland

way2barak, Feb 17: In a significant step towards mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam, leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, with support from SBI Foundation, has successfully installed a nearly 10-kilometre-long community-managed solar-powered fence system in Bhangrikuchi village of Baksa district in Assam.

The initiative covers 18 hamlets and safeguards the croplands and around 285 households that have long faced conflicts with wild elephants.

Bhangrikuchi has been highly vulnerable to frequent encounters with wild elephants, leading to severe damage to agricultural fields and residential property.

The newly-installed fence system provides a safe, non-lethal and eco-friendly deterrent to elephants besides discouraging use of illegal and hazardous electric fence to ward off wild elephants.

Beyond protection, the initiative fosters community ownership and solidarity. The formation of the Bhangrikuchi Solar-powered Fence Management Committee ensures local stewardship, reinforces long-term sustainability and collective responsibility for maintenance and monitoring of the fence.

Prior to installation, Aaranyak conducted extensive community briefings and on-field demonstrations to familiarise villagers with the solar-powered fence mechanism, safety protocols and basic upkeep procedures. Active participation from community members played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth implementation.

The initiative was implemented by Aaranyak’s field team — Abhijit Saikia, Dibakar Nayak, Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Bikash Tossa, Manav Nayak and Pradip Barman under the guidance of Anjan Baruah, Assistant Manager, Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD), Aaranyak.

The solar-powered fence was formally inaugurated on February 4 by the Village Head and officially handed over to the community in the presence of members of the Fence Management Committee and representatives from the 18 hamlets. Around 50 community members attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Anjan Baruah emphasised collective responsibility, adherence to safety protocols and regular maintenance to ensure that the fence remains effective and sustainable in the long run.

The handover programme was facilitated by the Bhangrikuchi Solar Fence Management Committee along with Aaranyak team members Rabiya Daimari, Abhijit Saikia, Dibakar Nayak, Jiban Chetry, Jaugashar Basumatary, Pradip Barman, Imon Abedin and Hemanta Phukan.