Bagdogra, 28th December: A three-day Hathi Bandhu Mela has commenced in Bagdogra, organised by the Kurseong Forest Division in collaboration with the voluntary group Jambo.
The fair was inaugurated at the Bagdogra forest office range by the DFO, in the presence of several officials.
Farmers from various areas affected by elephant-related disturbances participated with stalls at the mela. The event also aimed to foster engagement with the forest department and raise awareness about human-elephant coexistence.
Eighteen forest workers were honoured for their commendable work during the event.
DFO Devesh Pandey of Kurseong Forest Division stated that the mela seeks to prevent human-elephant conflicts while promoting interest in paddy cultivation, fishery, vegetable farming, and beekeeping among farmers.
It also aims to increase awareness about elephants as human settlements expand and forest areas decrease. So far this year, five deaths due to elephant-related incidents have been reported, which is half compared to the previous year.