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A study in Assam Majuli Island highlights rising human wildlife conflict particularly damage caused by rhinos & other animals threatening local livelihoods & calls for sustainable conservation measures.
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflict:
Species Involved: Rhinos, wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, tigers.
Impact on Agriculture: These animals have increasingly damaged crops and livestock severely impacting largely agrarian population of Majuli Island where 90% depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Aaranyak Study:
A six day survey conducted by Aaranyak. Led by Ujjal Bayan & Kakali Baishya from Aaranyak's Rhino Research & Conservation Division (RRCD).
Over 110 households, local communities, Vaishnavite monastery head priests (Satradhikars), forest officials & law enforcement agencies were engaged.
The study covered areas in both Namoni Majuli (Sesuguri, Lobak Khutar, Ahotoguri Island) & Ujoni Majuli (Kamalabari Ghat to Gejera).
One-Horned Rhinos:
Source of Rhinos: growing population of one horned rhinos from Kaziranga National Park has migrated to Majuli contributing to escalating conflict.
The rhino population in Majuli has been identified as an emerging threat to local agriculture and human safety.
Ecological Richness of Majuli:
Majuli wetlands are thriving with migratory birds including glossy ibis, black-headed ibis, Indian spot-billed ducks, greylag geese, bar-headed geese, purple swamp hens.
The birds roost, breed & feed in Majuli’s wetlands highlighting island's ecological richness and significance.
Conservation Urgency:
Aaranyak emphasizes urgent need for strategies that address Majuli unique geographic & ecological characteristics to ensure coexistence of humans and wildlife.
The organization advocates for sustainable conflict mitigation measures, increased community awareness, conservation focused policy interventions.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Balance:
The study emphasizes that Majuli unique ecological significance demands immediate attention to ensure protection of its fragile biodiversity while safeguarding livelihoods of its residents.
Geographical Specifics:
Majuli is situated in Brahmaputra River between its two main channels Subansiri & Luit River.
Size and Erosion:
At its peak Majuli covered around 1,250 square kilometers. However due to severe erosion it has been shrinking in size over years. Today its area is estimated to be around 880 square kilometers and island is losing land at a rate of 0.6-0.8 square kilometers per year.
Erosion is exacerbated by high water discharge from the Brahmaputra, increased sedimentation & floodwaters during monsoon season.
Landscape and Terrain:
The island consists of both wetlands & uplands including floodplains, marshes, riverbanks.
It is characterized by sandbars (locally called Chaporis) & seasonal river channels which shift depending on monsoon.
Several tribal villages & settlements are spread throughout the island with traditional bamboo houses raised on stilts to protect against floods.
Majuli wetlands support several species of aquatic plants like water hyacinth, lotus, papyrus along with a variety of reed species.
The island terrestrial vegetation includes bamboo forests, sal trees, riverine grasslands.
Majuli is one of important bird watching destinations in Assam. The island provides refuge for many migratory birds that travel from Siberia, China, other colder regions during winter.
Species observed include glossy ibis, black-headed ibis, Indian spot-billed ducks, bar-headed geese, greylag geese, purple swamp hens.
The island is habitat for resident birds like eagles, kingfishers, herons.
Majuli is home to variety of wildlife species some of which have strayed from Kaziranga National Park. These include One-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis), Wild buffaloes, Elephants, Wild boars, Tigers (though rare)
Majuli is also home to several species of snakes, amphibians, tortoises with Brahmaputra River turtle being one of notable species.
The river provides an abundant resource for fish farming & traditional fishing methods especially during the lean months.
Majuli has population of around 1.6 lakh people mainly belonging to indigenous tribes like Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari.
A large portion of the island’s population follows Vaishnavism (branch of Hinduism centered on worship of Lord Vishnu).
The economy of Majuli is largely agrarian with rice cultivation being the primary agricultural activity.
Other crops include mustard, betel nut, vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, fruits like bananas & oranges.
The fertile floodplain soil enriched by annual flooding, is highly suitable for agriculture.
Fishing and poultry farming also provide significant income for the island’s inhabitants.
Cultural Importance:
Majuli is recognized as cultural capital of Assam due to its religious & cultural significance.
Sankardeva established Vaishnavite monasteries (satra) in Majuli in 15th century creating a spiritual & cultural hub.
Raas Leela (a dramatic performance of the life of Lord Krishna) is celebrated in the satras & has become major cultural event.
Sattriya dance which originated here is an ancient classical dance form of Assam.
The island is famous for its handicrafts including mask-making, pottery, weaving.
Flooding:
The annual monsoon floods from Brahmaputra are unpredictable & destroy crops, homes, infrastructure.
Floodwater management is critical issue & various measures including embankments have been attempted to reduce the damage.
Aaranyak wildlife NGO is involved in both research & conservation initiatives. It conducts surveys on human wildlife conflict (HWC) & is working to mitigate it through awareness programs & sustainable practices.
NGO has conducted several surveys including one in collaboration with Kaziranga National Park authorities to assess effects of rhino migration to Majuli.
Wildlife Protection: Conservation efforts focus on wildlife corridors creating barriers to keep animals away from human settlements and establishing better fencing systems in areas prone to conflict.
Community engagement is a vital part of conservation efforts with local communities being trained in non lethal methods of dealing with wild animals.
Wetland Conservation: The government alongside NGOs is also working to preserve Majuli wetlands.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development:
Given Majuli rich cultural and ecological heritage there is potential for the island to become a sustainable eco-tourism destination.
Initiatives are being taken to develop infrastructure while ensuring that local livelihoods & island natural resources are not adversely affected.
The development of green energy solutions like solar power is being explored to support the island growing population & reduce dependency on non renewable sources.
Strengthening flood control infrastructure & reducing erosion through bio engineering solutions like planting grass and bamboo to stabilize riverbanks.
Increasing awareness among local communities about coexistence of humans & wildlife focusing on non violent, sustainable measures.
Proposals for Majuli's UNESCO World Heritage recognition due to its ecological & cultural significance to ensure more global attention & conservation funding.
For more specifics on Majuli Island, please refer to IAS GYAN
Sources:
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. With increasing human wildlife conflicts in various regions analyse challenges faced by local communities & suggest sustainable solutions that balance conservation efforts with human livelihoods |
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