To deal with human-elephant daily clashes, the government of Assam has approved the launch of a significant initiative, the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme, which aims to tackle the daily fights between the people of Assam and Elephants through teams created by the government with involving the local people who are named “Gaja Mitra”.The team formation is a community-based based voluntary, with a rapid response, in the most Human-elephant crisis zones. All the citizens who are interested in being volunteers for these teams can apply online by visiting the official website. Read this article for more information.
About Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme
The government of Assam has approved the launch of a super significant initiative, the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme, in the cabinet on 10th July 2025. The government aims to tackle the drastic crisis between elephants and humans. The Gaja Mitra scheme will be implemented with a two-pronged strategy focusing on community participation and habitat management. This comprehensive initiative seeks to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants by engaging local communities and enhancing the natural habitats of these majestic creatures.
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The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report highlights over 1,400 human deaths and 1,209 elephant fatalities in Assam between 2000 and 2023 due to this daily crisis. The voluntaries. The government will create teams to tackle these problems.
Role of Teams of the Gaja Mitra Scheme
The government aims to make the team reduce the clashes between humans and elephants within the state. the authorities will make a total of 80 teams across the state, each team including 8 members from the local community, as most nearest villages around the clash areas of elephant and human.
- These teams will be particularly active for a six-month period that coincides with the paddy cultivation season, when conflicts are at their peak.
- The Gaja Mitras will act as the first line of defense.
- Monitoring the movement of elephants in and around their villages.
- Providing real-time alerts to the community about the presence of elephants.
- Guiding elephants away from human settlements and agricultural fields using Safe and non-injurious techniques.
- Spreading awareness and educating villagers on elephant behaviour and conflict mitigation techniques.
Objective of the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme
- The primary objective of the scheme is to help reduce problems between people and elephants and keep both human and elephant lives safe.
- To reduce the number of negative interactions between humans and elephants.
- The scheme aims to protect agricultural fields and property from damage, thereby securing the livelihoods of local communities.
- The goal is to create a space where local communities and elephants can live in the same area peacefully.
- The program creates local volunteer teams called “Gaja Mitras” to use community knowledge and respond quickly, helping people feel involved in protecting elephants.
- To use technology for early detection and monitoring.
Summary Table of Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme
Name of the scheme | Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme |
Launched by | Government of Assam |
Introduced by | State Government of Assam |
Year of introduction | 2025-26 |
Primary objective | To reduce the clashes between humans and elephants |
Beneficiaries | Citizens of Assam |
Official website | Check Now |
Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme Benefits
- This will cover safety, economic security, empowerment, and reduced fear.
- This will focus on lowering death rates, fixing habitats, and keeping genetic variety.
- This will highlight improved efficiency, better community relations, and a proactive approach.
- Reduce surprise encounters with elephants, thereby saving human lives and preventing injuries.
- A primary benefit is the protection of crops and property.
- The scheme gives local communities a role in the solution, making them active participants.
- The presence of a dedicated, trained local team and an early warning system can significantly reduce the daily fear and anxiety among villagers.
- The scheme helps lower elephant deaths from electric shocks, poisoning, and other conflicts by providing them with food.
Role of Teams of the Gaja Mitra Scheme
The government aims to make the team to reduce the clashes between humans and elephants within the state. the authorities will make the total of 80 teams across the state, each team included 8 members from the local community as most nearest villages villages around the clash areas of elephant and human.
- These teams will be particularly active for a six-month period that coincides with the paddy cultivation season, when conflicts are at their peak.
- The Gaja Mitras will act as the first line of defense.
- Monitoring the movement of elephants in and around their villages.
- Providing real-time alerts to the community about the presence of elephants.
- Guiding elephants away from human settlements and agricultural fields using Safe and non-injurious techniques.
- Spreading awareness and educating villagers on elephant behaviour and conflict mitigation techniques.
Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme Eligibility Criteria
- The volunteer must be a resident of the affected local villages where the scheme is being implemented.
- Candidates must be willing to serve voluntarily.
- Physical fitness of the voluntary will be required to patrol areas, track elephant movements, and take part in quick response activities.
- The applicant must have a deep familiarity with the local geography, forest areas,
- Individuals who are respected in their community may be favored, as they’ll need to work well with other villagers.
Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme Apply Online
- The candidates who are interested in the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme can Apply Online.
- First, meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme and visit the official website of the scheme.
- Once you reach the homepage of the website, you have to look for the “Apply Online” button, and then click on it.
- A new page with an application form will appear on your desktop screen, and you have to fill up the form with the required details.
- After filling out the form, one has to attach all the necessary documents with the application form.
- Hence, after attaching and filling the form, you have to look for the “Submit Now” button and then click on it, thereby completing the process.
FAQs
Who launches the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme?
The state government of Assam has launched the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme.
Is there any stipend for the volunteers of the Gaja Mitra Scheme?
There is np official announcement that has been made through the government about a stipend to the volunteers of the Gaja Mitra Scheme.
What is the main objective of the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme?
The main objective of the Assam Gaja Mitra Scheme is to reduce the number of negative interactions between humans and elephants.