Guwahati, 15 July (HS): Assam Forest and Environment Minister Jayanta Mallabarua on Wednesday said the government is intensifying efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict through coordinated measures, including large-scale afforestation in affected areas.

Speaking to mediapersons before attending the Assembly session, the minister said a meeting was held with legislators to discuss long-term solutions to the recurring conflict between humans and wild elephants.

He announced that compensation for families of those killed in elephant attacks has been increased from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh on the direction of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The compensation will be released by the respective Deputy Commissioners within 72 hours.

Mallabarua also said the government has initiated special measures for monkey sterilisation as part of its strategy to address increasing human-wildlife conflict in the state.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash