Training of Gajamitra for Elephant-Human Conflict Mitigation at Numaligarh Beat Office under Golaghat District of Assam.

March,27 – 2026:

A special training program for Gajamitra (community volunteers engaged in elephant-human conflict mitigation) was held on 26th March at the auditorium of the Numaligarh Beat Office, under the joint initiative of the Golaghat Forest Division of Assam and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).The program was attended by Numaligarh Beat Officer Aihum Shyam, along with forest staff and Gajamitra from Numaligarh, Dergaon, and Bokial Range Offices.

Senior coordinators of WWF Dr. Jayanta Gogoi and conservationist Uttam Saikia participated as resource persons, delivering detailed explanations on the role of Gajamitra and forest staff in managing elephant-human conflict, as well as on elephant behavior and identification. Through illustrated presentations, Dr. Gogoi discussed methods and rules of elephant driving, habitat conservation, and alternative farming practices in elephant-prone areas.

Environmental workers highlighted elephant behavior, elephant corridors in Numaligarh, and elephant movement in tea estates, while also stressing the importance of conserving the leopard population found in tea gardens. The training incorporated the experiences of Gajamitra volunteers.

The program, inaugurated with a welcome speech by Range Officer Aihum Shyam, also featured Rinamoni Saikia, officer of the Forest Department’s research project, who spoke about departmental measures for conflict mitigation. Gajamitra from Bokial, Mikirchang, and other areas of Golaghat District shared their experiences, challenges, and grievances. During the training, participants requested the Forest Department and WWF to provide essential equipment such as powerful torches for elephant monitoring and solar-powered street lights in specific locations.