Elephant Corridors to Be Developed in Naxalbari to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
Elephant Corridors to Be Developed in Naxalbari to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
Naxalbari, 6 October: In a significant step towards wildlife conservation and reducing human-elephant conflict, plans are underway to develop dedicated elephant corridors in the Naxalbari region of Darjeeling district. The initiative aims to provide safe passage for wild elephant herds that frequently move between the forests of North Bengal and neighbouring Nepal.
Naxalbari, Kharibari, Bagdogra and adjoining areas are part of an important elephant movement route connecting forest patches, tea gardens and riverine belts. Over the years, rapid urbanisation, expansion of roads, railway lines and human settlements have fragmented traditional elephant paths, resulting in increasing incidents of crop damage, property loss and human casualties.
Officials said that the proposed corridors will help restore natural migratory routes for elephants, ensuring safer movement of herds while minimizing encounters with humans. The project is expected to include habitat restoration, creation of green passages, and wildlife-friendly infrastructure such as underpasses and protected crossing zones. Recent highway projects in the Bagdogra-Panitanki-Kharibari stretch have also included elephant underpasses to facilitate wildlife movement.
