Guwahati: While Diwali comes once annually, in numerous hamlets adjacent to the Assam-Meghalaya border in west Guwahati and neighbouring Palasbari areas on the outskirts of Guwahati — every day during the paddy cultivation and harvesting season until December is Diwali, albeit for a different reason. To deter herds of wild elephants from going on a rampage, farmers residing near elephant corridors in these localities stockpile firecrackers for months to frighten away the elephants.
On the eve of Diwali, Pakhiraj Rabha of Pub-Rajapara village in the Palasbari constituency said firecrackers are being detonated in Gutipara, Upar Pathar, and Ghoraputa areas near Chandubi Lake to drive away elephant herds.
“People are not bursting firecrackers for Diwali but to drive away elephant herds in many villages. The practice has continued for several decades. Tomorrow is Diwali elsewhere, but in our villages, it is like a daily affair as paddy grows in the pre and post-monsoon days,” said Rabha.
Historically, more than a century ago, tribal villagers who subsisted by hunting traditionally utilised khapor (a type of spear) and fire arrows to strike the elephants and drive them away. Now deemed cruel, firecrackers are predominantly utilised as an effective deterrent to protect paddy and households near elephant corridors. In local weekly markets surrounding the forest areas of Chandubi, firecrackers remain available throughout the year, even in village shops.
“People have adapted to co-exist with elephants substantially. Previously, even the forest department provided firecrackers in our area but now limited such provisions. However, without firecrackers, our existence becomes challenging,” Rabha said. Dhiraj Rabha, a youth from Challi village, said rather than celebrating Diwali at home, their focus remains on paddy fields. In nearby villages like Nalapara, Sesa, Khopegaon, Beloguri, and Moirapur, some youths are visiting paddy fields to enjoy 'pre-Diwali' whilst driving away elephants.
“Since commencing paddy plantation in June, we have been using firecrackers. Herds were modest when paddy was immature. Since harvesting commenced in late October, the elephant herds have grown larger. Currently, herds of eight to ten elephants approach to consume the paddy,” said Ramen Rabha of Bikrampur village.
Approximately six to seven such herds descend from the hills of Rani, Jorashal, and Kawasing reserve forest areas, villagers said. Farmers of Rani-Moirapur Anchalik Hati Pratirodh Samiti recently submitted a memorandum to the range officer, Rani, requesting equipment like torchlights, kerosene, and firecrackers. “Firecrackers and high-powered torchlights prove effective for immediate use. However, we advocate torchlights as they cause minimal disturbance to elephants. Ultimately, we must consider the elephants’ welfare,” said Roji Barman, range forest officer, Rani. “We shall distribute high-powered torchlights to some villagers..,” she added.