The ongoing human-elephant conflict in Chattogram's Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Banskhali upazilas is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human livelihoods.

The recent death of a farmer, as reported by The Daily Star in its report "Casualties rise amid human-elephant conflict" (January 4), killed by an elephant that wandered onto his property, underscores the urgent need to address this escalating crisis.

As the human-elephant conflict intensifies, it is evident that the underlying cause is the rapid loss of elephant habitat.

According to data from the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division (WMNCD), at least 14 individuals have lost their lives and 15 have been injured in the past six years due to encounters with elephants.

The problem has been exacerbated by the establishment of industrial zones, which have encroached upon at least 3,300 acres of hilly land previously inhabited by these majestic creatures.

This habitat destruction has pushed elephants into human settlements, leading to more frequent and deadly confrontations.

Moreover, the plight of farmers who had to abandon their farmland due to elephant invasions, highlights the dire impact on local communities. With workers at the Economic Processing Zone living in fear of elephant incursions, the situation is dire. The EPZ authorities' request for the removal of elephants is indicative of a broader struggle between economic development and wildlife preservation.

The government's response to this crisis, including the establishment of a specialised subcommittee to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, is a step in the right direction. Training programmes for the Elephant Response Team and mapping migration routes are essential initiatives. However, these measures alone may not suffice. As conservationists point out, simply training personnel and employing technology like GPS tracking collars and solar fences will not provide long-term solutions to the conflict.

A more sustainable approach would involve the establishment of dedicated zones for elephants, as advocated by experts. The government can facilitate this by identifying and preserving hilly areas that can serve as safe habitats for elephants. Creating these zones would not only help mitigate human-elephant conflicts but also restore balance between wildlife conservation and local livelihoods.

A collaborative effort is needed to address the root causes of the human-elephant conflict. Balancing the needs of local communities with the conservation of wildlife is crucial for the future of both elephants and the people who share their habitat.

Hasan Meer is a journalist at The Daily Star.