Haridwar, Feb. 18 -- With elephants increasingly straying into human areas, the forest department has launched measures like radio-collaring and solar fences to prevent human-wildlife conflicts during the Ardh Kumbh mela that will begin early next year, officials said. The half-yearly pilgrimage will draw millions of devotees to Haridwar, heightening risks in elephant-prone zones near the Ganga ghats and settlements. Officials have prioritised tracking "leader" elephants and fortifying vulnerable stretches to ensure safe access for pilgrims, residents, and tourists. They said radio-collaring of elephants has begun on priority ahead of the religious congregation. In the first phase, four elephants, identified as leaders of herds that frequently stray into human habitations, will be fitted with radio collars by next month, after receiving approvals from higher authorities. Haridwar divisional forest officer Swapnil Anirudh said the department has started groundwork to safeguard the fair area. "An 8-km stretch from Kankhal to Bishanpur Kundi, which is highly sensitive to elephant movement, will be secured with solar fencing. Trenching will also be undertaken to prevent elephants from entering residential colonies, roads, Ganga ghats and agricultural fields. Proposals for new forest posts and watch towers are in the pipeline and will be implemented before the fair," he said. The strategy aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the Ardh Kumbh, which is expected to draw millions of devotees to the holy city....