Bagdogra set to host Bengal’s first-ever Hati-Bandhu Mela

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Naxalbari block, long affected by human-elephant conflict, is set to host Bengal’s first-ever Hati-Bandhu Mela in Bagdogra from December 13.

The mela, aimed at promoting coexistence between humans and elephants, is being organized jointly by Bagdogra Forest Range and local NGO Jumboo Troops. The three-day event will see the participation of senior forest officials, local administration heads and community members.

The mela seeks to educate farmers and tea garden workers across the Kurseong forest division, emphasizing that elephants are not adversaries but allies.

Forest ranger Sonam Bhutia highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “This is the first effort in Bengal to dedicate a mela to elephants. It will facilitate direct interaction between the Forest department, farmers, and tea garden workers, helping to mitigate human-elephant conflict. It will also raise awareness about the role of the forest department in addressing such issues.”

The event will feature a range of activities, including stalls showcasing wooden crafts, traditional food, agricultural products, and handmade materials created by forest villagers. There will also be free medical health camps, cultural performances, and an interaction session with journalists on the media’s role in wildlife conservation.

The Forest department’s stalls will display equipment and arms used in emergency operations, alongside demonstrations of how elephant movements are monitored to ensure the safety of both animals and people.

Rikjyoti Singha, founder of Jumboo Troops, said, “Unlike typical melas centered on entertainment, this one has a meaningful purpose - saving wildlife and ensuring human survival. We are also introducing alternative farming techniques and other measures during the event to address the challenges faced by farmers and tea garden workers.”