Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai releases ‘Gaj Rath Yatra’ book to promote human-elephant coexistence

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday released ‘Gaj Rath Yatra-Part 02’, a book documenting Jashpur Forest Division’s awareness campaign to reduce human-elephant conflict and promote elephant conservation. The book was released at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Bagiya, the Chief Minister’s native village in Jashpur district.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said Jashpur’s rich forests and biodiversity make it important to ensure safe coexistence between people and wildlife. Greater public awareness about elephant behaviour and their movement areas can help reduce conflict, while protecting people, forests and wildlife remains a priority for the government.

Appreciating the ‘Gaj Rath Yatra’ initiative, he said sustained engagement with communities in elephant-affected areas can help people remain alert and respond safely to elephant movement. He also stressed the role of local communities alongside the Forest Department in promoting human-elephant coexistence.

The initiative has been reaching villages, schools and public places in areas affected by elephant movement. Through awareness programmes, villagers, students and other residents are being informed about elephant behaviour, habitat, food and movement patterns. They are also advised to maintain a safe distance from elephants, avoid approaching them and inform the Forest Department promptly in an emergency.

The campaign also seeks to address misconceptions and fear surrounding elephants by promoting a more informed and sensitive approach to wildlife. The focus is on improving community safety while supporting elephant conservation and reducing the scope for conflict.

‘Gaj Rath Yatra-Part 02’ documents the Forest Division’s work in human-elephant conflict management and elephant conservation. It highlights awareness programmes, community participation, efforts to involve students in wildlife conservation and activities promoting safe behaviour around elephants.

Technology is also being used to improve timely alerts. Through the ‘Raj Sanket’ app, information on elephant movement is sent to residents of affected areas through mobile messages. Coordination among frontline forest personnel, rapid response teams and local communities is being used to strengthen response and public safety.

Schools and students form an important part of the campaign. Awareness sessions cover elephant behaviour, biodiversity and the importance of forests and wildlife conservation, with the aim of encouraging children to carry the message of safe coexistence and conservation to their families and communities.

Chief Minister Shri Sai also presented certificates of appreciation to Forest Department officers and personnel for their contribution to human-elephant conflict management, public safety and elephant conservation. He appreciated the prompt response of frontline personnel and their coordination with local communities.

Jashpur Collector Shri Rohit Vyas, Divisional Forest Officer Shri Shashi Kumar, Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Shri Abhishek Kumar and officials from the Forest Department and district administration were present on the occasion.