Assam to study revival of wild elephant domestication

Guwahati: The Assam government is considering studying the revival of capturing wild elephants for captive use or domestication as one of the measures to check rising human-elephant conflict in the State.

The proposal was discussed in the 126-member Assembly during a debate on ways to reduce conflicts between humans and animals, with a particular focus on elephants and monkeys.

Officials said the government will weigh the pros and cons of the practice before taking any decision. The idea stems from concerns over increasing crop damage, property loss, and casualties linked to elephant movement across human habitations.

A wild elephant was recently spotted inside Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district on July 9, 2026, highlighting the growing interface between people and wildlife in Assam.

Lawmakers and forest officials are expected to review past data, conservation laws, and animal welfare norms as part of the study. Any revival of capture and domestication would also need clearance under wildlife protection guidelines.