Jhapa and Morang districts have witnessed increasing conflict between humans and elephants, which has taken a toll on both sides.

In the last two years, 12 people were killed while 13 were maimed in elephant attacks. Six elephants were also killed during the same period, according to Division Forest Office, Jhapa.

Herds of elephant stalk settlements near the forest for food. And, people’s efforts to chase away the pachyderm turn into an ugly situation- losing lives in an elephant attack.

The people are victimized even during morning walks, and grass and fodder collection in the forest.

Researchers on elephants argue that expanding human settlements is gradually encroaching upon forests, thereby infuriating elephants. In the last six decades, the forests have receded much, according to Shankar Luitel.

Researcher Luitel viewed, “Elephant which has sharp memory and wants to stroll freely finds it difficult with receding habitant. It evidently angers him, resulting into damages of human settlements.”

Ward chair of Mechinagar-4, Arjun Karki, however, said they had adopted policy of human-elephant coexistence to minimize elephant menace. He viewed, “Elephant is not an aggressive animal. But when it feels threatened on its habitat and food, it certainly retaliates.”

According to him, policy of human-wild life coexistence was put in place at Bahundangi which has recorded many cases of human-elephant conflict.