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Assam Cabinet approves 'Gaja Mitra' Scheme to address Human-Elephant Conflict
Jul 11, 2025In a decisive move to address the rising incidents of human-elephant conflict, the Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved the launch of the 'Gaja Mitra Scheme'. The scheme is part of a broader set of welfare and regulatory decisions aimed at improving wildlife management, healthcare services, and social welfare across the state.
The Gaja Mitra Scheme will involve the appointment and training of community volunteers, known as "Gaja Mitras," in regions prone to elephant movement. These volunteers will work closely with forest department officials to track elephant herds, alert communities, and help mitigate conflict through awareness and preparedness efforts.
“The scheme is aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and elephants by involving local communities as active stakeholders in conservation and safety,” said a government spokesperson.
Assam has been one of the states most affected by human-elephant conflict, with frequent reports of crop damage, property loss, and human casualties. Wildlife experts have long advocated for community-based approaches to address the issue, and the Gaja Mitra Scheme is seen as a progressive step in that direction.
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