Bahundangi, a small village in Far-Eastern Nepal, situated along the Mechi river, is popularly known for stories/incidents of wild elephants. Most of those stories were, in the past, driven by human-elephant conflict. However, times have changed. All thanks to the grassroots communities of Bahundangi! Gone are the days of conflict and thus, Bahundangi presents a scenario of transition to co-existence from conflict.
The roots of the human-elephant conflict in Bahundangi stretch back to the early 1980s, as locals claim. Migratory herds of elephants, moving across the Mechi river from India, regularly come into close contact with humans, particularly in Bahundangi. According to reports (unofficial), there have been at least 50 human deaths and more than 20 elephant fatalities to date in Jhapa district. While resident elephants are few in number, it is the migratory herds that pose the greatest threat to settlements.
Efforts to reduce the conflict have been ongoing since the start, but several challenges remain. Financial constraints have hindered the implementation of large-scale conservation programs, while a lack of coordination between Nepalese and Indian authorities has limited the effectiveness of cross-border conservation initiatives. Furthermore, local tourism infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and benefit-sharing mechanisms for affected communities are inadequate, leaving actual victims feeling ignored and helpless.
Looking forward, local conservationists and stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of community involvement in conflict mitigation. Collaborative efforts between local communities, local governments, local conservation organizations, and cross-border stakeholders are seen as critical to finding sustainable solutions.
Organizations like Green Generation Jhapa and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) Jhapa are at the forefront of these efforts. The RRT, composed of 40 local youths, plays a critical role in conflict mitigation through night patrols, and cooperation with Indian counterparts. While the team has seen success in stopping elephant herds, they face operational challenges, particularly related to funding and coordination.
With ongoing support from organizations like WWF Nepal, ICIMOD, and Ujyalo Nepal, there is hope that Bahundangi can transition from conflict to coexistence. The regular celebration of Elephant Day on August 12, the formation of Elephant Friendly Community Homestay, and Elephant Friendly Farmer Group are just some of the initiatives that are currently highlighted. The Mechinagar Municipality, Ward No. 4 office, has played a pivotal role in cementing the idea and execution of these initiatives. The multi-stakeholder approach aims at raising awareness at grassroots level and fostering the belief in coexistence between humans and elephants in the region.
To conclude, the human-elephant equation in Bahundangi remains an intricate and multifaceted issue. However, with continued efforts to involve local communities, promote conservation consciousness, and foster cross-border collaboration, there is a path forward. By addressing the root causes of the conflict and building on the lessons of the past, Bahundangi has the potential to transform its relationship with elephants from worst to best, benefiting both the people and overall wildlife of the region, in a bigger picture.
Author:
Suruchi Mainali
Chitwan, Nepal
B. Sc. Forestry, IOF Hetauda
Email: [email protected]
