Itahari Residents Dig Trenches to Bar Wild Elephant Entry

In Shantinagar, Itahari-2, residents have taken matters into their own hands by initiating the construction of six-feet deep trenches to prevent wild elephants from entering their settlements. With the approval of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Hem Karna Poudel, locals, equipped with earthmoving machinery provided by the sub-metropolis, are actively involved in digging the trenches from Hattichowk to Sera River.

Roshan Adhikari, a resident of Shantinagar, explained the decision, stating, “We decided to dig the trench after a large herd of wild elephants made frequent attempts to enter human settlements.” The elephant herd, consisting of 29 pachyderms, including calves, has been causing concern among the local community.

Simultaneously, in response to the escalating human-elephant conflict in the region, the Koshi Province Government has announced plans to construct an elephant corridor. The provincial tourism, forest, and environment ministry is currently conducting a study using satellite mapping to identify the routes elephants use to move between habitats. The development of an elephant corridor is expected to mitigate conflicts and enhance the coexistence of elephants and humans in the area.

The decision comes as over a dozen wild elephants have been residing in the Jalthal area of Jhapa district, posing a threat to human life and property. Herds migrating from India have been responsible for incidents in Barahakshetra and Itahari of Sunsari, Belbari, Khanepokhari, and Sundar Haraicha of Morang, as well as Damak and Buddhashanti areas of Jhapa.

Tragically, the recent surge in elephant attacks has resulted in more than 12 fatalities in Koshi Province over the past few months, prompting urgent measures to address the growing conflict and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants.