31/08/2026
Strengthening HEC Response Across the Indo–Nepal Transboundary Landscape 🐘🐆
Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) mitigation in the Indo–Nepal transboundary area Under Panighatta Forest Range of Kurseong Forest Division has shown significant improvement over the past few years, with NWA nurturing and strengthening its Primary Response Teams (PRTs) since 2023.
As part of NWA’s field-support policy, essential HEC mitigation tools and field equipment are replenished for PRT members at three-year intervals. Today, NWA initiated the next phase of equipment distribution among PRT members on the Indian side of the Indo–Nepal transboundary landscape—continuing the support initiated in 2023.
PRT areas covered Rakamjot, Kutajot,Hatiramjot, Nayabasti, Mallabari, Handibasti, Tarabari, Jhapujot, Pataram, Baramoniram, Chotamoniram, Nehaljot and surrounding areas.
The initiative aims to ensure that community Volunteers remain adequately equipped for early response, elephant movement monitoring, community awareness and night-time HEC mitigation, while strengthening coordination among the Forest Department, NWA PRTs, JFMCs, Panchayats, SSB and Police Administration.
The distribution programme was held today at Dhimal Community Hall, Mallabari, in the presence of representatives from the Kurseong Forest Division, including ADFO, RO Panighata, RO Tukuriajhar and BO Kolabari, along with SSB Nayabasti, Panchayat representatives and JFMC Presidents.
For NWA, this is more than equipment distribution—it is an investment in prepared communities, stronger field coordination and safer coexistence between people and elephants.
Strengthening the frontline. Supporting communities. Protecting elephants. 🐘