Human–elephant conflict a major national challenge: Wildlife

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - The human–elephant conflict has become a major and challenging issue in the country, Deputy Director (Elephant Conservation) of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), U.L. Thaufeeq, said.

He said that the Cabinet has approved the implementation of a National Action Plan under the current government to address the issue in a structured manner.

According to the DWC, the human–elephant conflict is currently reported in 19 out of 25 districts. The problem is also recorded in 134 Divisional Secretariat divisions and over 1,500 Grama Niladhari divisions islandwide.

Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi said the Ministry is giving special priority and maximum intervention to minimise the human–elephant conflict. He added that the Ministry has also decided to appoint an expert committee to support the implementation of the National Action Plan.

The Minister further told media that necessary approvals will be obtained in the future to implement the recommendations of the expert committee.

He also called for full public and institutional support to mitigate the conflict, noting that it has a direct impact on the country’s economy.