Guwahati, July 11 -- Written by -Manoj Kumar Ojha

Guwahati: Wildlife conservationists and residents living near forests and national parks, especially in areas with strong wild elephant presence, have welcomed the Gajah Mitra policy of the Assam government.

"The policy is expected to reduce human-animal conflicts in eight districts of the state," said Mishti Madhu, an animal lover.

"With rising incidents of crop destruction, deaths, and panic in rural areas, this timely initiative will play an important role in protecting both human lives and wildlife," said Mohan Bhuyan of Nagaon.

Between 2000 and 2023, Assam witnessed the tragic deaths of over 1,400 people and 1,209 elephants.

According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), hum...