In a significant milestone for wildlife management and human safety, the North Division of the Forest Department in Bankura district has recorded zero deaths due to elephant attacks in the 2025-26 fiscal year— marking the first such achievement in nearly two decades.
Human-elephant conflict, a persistent issue in forest-fringe regions, often arises when elephants venture into human settlements in search of food or when human activities encroach upon forest habitats. These encounters have historically resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread damage to homes and agricultural land. Against this backdrop, the latest figures have brought a sense of relief and optimism among forest officials.
According to Forest Department data, this is the first time since 2007 that no fatalities have been reported in the Bankura North Division. The contrast is stark when compared to 2015–16, when elephant attacks claimed 28 lives—the highest death toll recorded in the region.
A forest official attributed the achievement to sustained and coordinated efforts. “This success comes after overcoming significant challenges. We have increased manpower deployment, conducted awareness campaigns in forest-fringe villages, and used modern technology to monitor elephant movements. Our goal is to ensure peaceful coexistence,” the official said, adding that similar measures may be expanded to other divisions across the state.
Between 2007 and 2025, a total of 108 deaths were recorded in the Bankura North Division due to elephant attacks. Annual fatalities fluctuated over the years, rising sharply between 2013 and 2016 before gradually declining. The death toll dropped from 28 in 2015–16 to single digits in subsequent years, eventually reaching zero this fiscal year.
The forested areas of Bankura are administratively divided into three units: the Bankura North Division, Bankura South Division, and Panchet Division. At one point, this region had recorded some of the highest fatalities from elephant attacks in the state, prompting criticism and raising questions about the effectiveness of forest management strategies.
Following public outcry — particularly after the 2015–16 figures were revealed — the state government and Forest Department implemented a series of measures aimed at mitigating conflict and improving response mechanisms.
Interestingly, officials also reported a rise in the elephant population. In 2025-26, the number of elephants in the Bankura North Division stood at 9,315, up from 7,790 the previous year. Authorities attribute this increase to improved conservation efforts and coordinated action involving district administration, police, media, and local communities.
Despite the positive trend, residents living near forest areas continue to raise concerns about property damage and occasional threats posed by elephant movement. However, many locals acknowledge that both fatalities and the extent of damage have reduced in recent years.
Statewide data indicates that in 2024, a total of 99 deaths due to elephant attacks were recorded across West Bengal, with the highest numbers reported from Bankura, Jalpaiguri district, and Jhargram district. The state government provides a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of victims.
Officials remain cautiously optimistic, emphasising that continued vigilance, community cooperation, and scientific management will be key to sustaining this progress.
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