Bee boxes to the rescue: A livelihood boost for HEC affected families in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 26, 2024

To offset the losses they have incurred due to the burgeoning human-elephant conflict (HEC) situation that is detrimental to both elephants and communities in parts of Assam, the premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak has provided 55 bee boxes across Udalguri and Baksa districts in the last two months as livelihood support to some HEC –affected families.

“Of the total 55 boxes, 25 contained active bee colonies which were provided to the Manas Sousi Khonkhor Ecotourism Society in Baksa, and two other families in Udalguri,” said Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist in Aaranyak and head of its Elephant Research and Conservation Division.

“Thirty more bee boxes were provided without active colonies to five families in Baksa and Udalguri districts, including those who had received the active colonies,” Dr Lahkar added.

Aaranyak official Didom Daimari provided practical demonstrations on capturing queen bees and maintaining bee colonies, ensuring the communities have the knowledge required to manage it effectively.

This initiative is supported by the SBI Foundation to reduce HEC in the high HEC-affected districts of Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri districts.

Providing bee boxes as livelihood support empowers communities with income generated from honey production. This reduces their dependence on crops that attract wild elephants, minimising the conflict while facilitating economic benefits and coexistence.

Aaranyak team, comprising Rabiya Daimari, Abhijit Saikia, Mondeep Basumatari, Jaugashar Basumatary, Bikash Tossa, Pradip Barman and intern Abhilasha Boruah actively engaged with local communities for this initiative.