KOLKATA: City-based NGO Uttarayan Wildlife, in a five-year long effort, is set to restore fragmented elephant corridors that have degraded in south Bengal causing largescale man-animal conflicts.
The methodology adopted by Diya Banerjee, Sreela Roy and Baibhab Roy from three different corporate backgrounds, involves a double-filter approach that simultaneously addresses ecological and socio-economic issues.
Banerjee said they have identified 350 acres in Bankura and Purulia where plantation activities have started from June. “We will go for a multi-crop plantation model where the focus will be on growing mustard and lemon plants. Elephants usually avoid lemon plants, so they will provide a natural habitat and also lead to less depredation. Farmers who own the land can use the fruits, but they will have to leave a certain percentage for use by biodiversity of the region like birds and other mammals,” she said, adding that a six-acre nursery in Bankura’s Ranibandh has also been developed for the purpose.
“We have a target to cover 2,000 acres in five years,” said Banerjee, adding that they are being supported by Rainmatter Foundation and WCT.
