ITAHARI: Locals in Shantinagar, Itahari-2, have started digging trenches to deter wild elephants from entering human settlements.
Roshan Adhikari, a local of Shantinagar, said that they have begun digging six-feet deep trenches with the approval of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Hem Karna Poudel. The sub-metropolis has provided earthmoving equipment to assist the locals.
“We are digging a trench from Hattichowk to Sera River with the support of the sub-metropolis,” stated Adhikari. “We decided to dig the trench after a large herd of wild elephants made frequent attempts to enter human settlements.”
The elephant herd comprises 29 pachyderms, including calves, according to Adhikari.
Meanwhile, the Koshi Province Government has decided to construct an elephant corridor in the region to address the growing human-elephant conflict. The provincial tourism, forest, and environment ministry is conducting a study using satellite mapping to identify routes that elephants use to move between habitats. The ministry is hopeful that developing an elephant corridor will mitigate conflicts between elephants and humans.
Over a dozen wild elephants have been staying in the Jalthal area of Jhapa district for a long time. Herds of elephants coming from India have been causing the loss of life and property in Barahakshetra and Itahari of Sunsari, Belbari, Khanepokhari, and Sundar Haraicha of Morang, as well as Damak and Buddhashanti areas of Jhapa.
Elephant attacks have resulted in more than 12 fatalities in Koshi Province over the past few months.
