SILIGURI,: Naxalbari block, long affected by human-elephant conflict, is set
to host Bengal’s first-ever Hati-Bandhu Mela in Bagdogra from December 13.
The mela,
aimed at promoting coexistence between humans and elephants, is being organized
jointly by Bagdogra Forest Range and local NGO Jumboo Troops. The three-day
event will see the participation of senior forest officials, local
administration heads and community members.
The mela
seeks to educate farmers and tea garden workers across the Kurseong forest
division, emphasizing that elephants are not adversaries but allies.
Forest
ranger Sonam Bhutia highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating,
“This is the first effort in Bengal to dedicate a mela to elephants. It will
facilitate direct interaction between the Forest department, farmers, and tea
garden workers, helping to mitigate human-elephant conflict. It will also raise
awareness about the role of the forest department in addressing such issues.”
The event
will feature a range of activities, including stalls showcasing wooden crafts,
traditional food, agricultural products, and handmade materials created by
forest villagers. There will also be free medical health camps, cultural
performances, and an interaction session with journalists on the media’s role
in wildlife conservation.
The Forest
department’s stalls will display equipment and arms used in emergency
operations, alongside demonstrations of how elephant movements are monitored to
ensure the safety of both animals and people.
Rikjyoti
Singha, founder of Jumboo Troops, said, “Unlike typical melas centered on
entertainment, this one has a meaningful purpose - saving wildlife and ensuring
human survival. We are also introducing alternative farming techniques and
other measures during the event to address the challenges faced by farmers and
tea garden workers.”
