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Key Points

The Assam Forest Department has compensated 29 farmers in Morigaon for crop damage caused by straying wildlife. Each farmer received Rs 7500 for losses incurred due to rhinos, buffaloes, and wild boars. The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary team has been actively mitigating human-wildlife conflicts with Anti-Depredation Squads. This initiative supports farmers while ensuring wildlife protection.

Key Points: Assam Forest Dept Compensates 29 Morigaon Farmers for Crop Damage

  • Rs 7500 compensation per farmer for crop losses
  • Rhinos and wild boars damaged maize and rice crops
  • Anti-Depredation Squads help return animals to sanctuary
  • Farmers in Satibheti and Rajamayong most affected
2 min read

Assam Forest department gives compensation of Rs 2.17 lakh to 29 farmers in Morigaon

Assam Forest Department disburses Rs 2.17 lakh to 29 farmers near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for crop losses caused by rhinos, buffaloes, and wild boars.

"The dedicated team at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has been tirelessly working to mitigate the impact of stray animals. – Pranjal Baruah, Forest Ranger"

Morigaon, August 2

The Assam Forest department has provided a compensation amount of Rs 2.17 lakh to 29 farmers of Mayong adjoining to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district for crop damage caused by animals.

Pranjal Baruah, Forest Ranger of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, said that the farmers of Mayong applied for the compensation at Range Forest Officer, Pobitora this year and based on their request, the forest department has released Rs 7500 to each farmer for the damage caused by straying animals like Rhino, Buffalo, Wild boars, etc to their crops like Maize, Rice, Mustard, etc in the last crop season.

"The Forest department has provided Rs 2,17,500 as compensation to 29 farmers of Mayong area. Most of the damages were faced by the farmers of Satibheti and Rajamayong area due to straying buffalo. The dedicated team at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has been tirelessly working to mitigate the impact of stray animals, successfully returning them to their natural habitat with the assistance of departmental elephants and 13 newly established Anti Depredation Squads in nearby villages," Pranjal Baruah said.

He further said that, equipped with essential resources, these squads have been instrumental in raising awareness and addressing the challenges posed by wildlife venturing outside the sanctuary during the lean season.

"This proactive approach not only safeguards the animals but also provides much-needed relief to farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods throughout the year," Pranjal Baruah said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This is a positive step but the compensation amount is too low considering the damage caused by rhinos and wild buffaloes. The government should increase it to at least Rs 15,000 per farmer. Our farmers feed the nation!
A
Arjun K
Good initiative by Assam Forest dept. But why does it take so long to process these claims? My uncle in Mayong waited 8 months for compensation. The system needs to be faster - farmers can't wait forever for basic support.
P
Priya S
The human-animal conflict in Assam is a serious issue. While we must protect wildlife, we can't ignore farmers' livelihoods. The new squads sound promising - hope they can find long-term solutions like better fencing and early warning systems 🐘🌾
M
Michael C
As someone working in wildlife conservation, I appreciate Assam's balanced approach. The compensation is modest but the awareness programs are crucial. Farmers and animals must coexist - it's the only sustainable way forward for biodiversity hotspots like Pobitora.
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Nisha Z
The article mentions 13 new squads - but are they properly trained? Last year in my village near Kaziranga, untrained staff made situations worse. Proper training is as important as the number of personnel deployed.

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