Community Elephant Fodder Plantation 2014

09/04/2014. The 2nd phase of the 'Community Elephant Fodder Plantation Programme 2014' was implemented by Green Guard Nature Organization with the participation of representatives from the fringe forest villages of Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts, namely Kantengaon, Sambheti, Kothalguri, Borsungjar, Borghat, Chapanala, Lungsung and Balijuri. These villages located in the Karbi foothills are affected by Human-Elephant conflict throughout the year, resulting in several casualties to men and beast every year. Members and volunteers of Green Guard including Sanctuary Asia Tiger Defender Dulu Bora, Amiel G. Momin, Uttam K. Sangma, Satyam Nayak, Raphael Nayak, Hanse, Milik, Anjana, Jyoti, Deepa and others transported the stumps of 'Bhim Kol', the giant banana species relished by elephants from their storage place at Bagherghati by a 4-wheel truck. The stumps were transported to an area frequented by elephants called Kathoni, near Lemlemi, and across the river Champawati from the Karbi village of Sambheti. Around 1200 banana stumps were planted in the area left barren due to the practice of jhum or shifting cultivation. Every stump has several 'eyes', each producing a sapling, so it is expected that there will be a healthy groove in the area in the months to come. Since the launch of the project last year, several thousand 'bhim kol' and jackfruit stumps and saplings have been planted. 

Stored 'bhim kol' stumps being loaded to the 4 wheel drive truck. Dulu Bora, Executive member of Green Guard Nature Organization has been spearheading the 'Community Elephant Fodder Plantation Programme.

The loaded truck with the cargo of potential elephant fodder.

The cargo is transported up the steep slopes of the Karbi foothills.

The motley group, united by their love of elephants, despite being residents f villages affected by elephant depredation.

The stumps are carried to the plantation site.

The plantation programme begins.

The volunteers include several girls, who have braved the tough ride up the hills.

A short break to recharge.

Plantation begins again after the short rest.

Dulu Bora, the prime mover behind the project and Executive Member of Green Guard Nature Organization supervises the plantation work.

The plantation phase of the 'Community Elephant Fodder Plantaion 2014' begins; the banner on recycled flex, written with charcoal.

After a job well done, the team trek back downhill.