The farmer who fends off elephants with a torchlight

Imti Longchar 
Manglumukh | July 20

For more than a decade, Sodesh, a farmer from Manglumukh village under Dhansiripar sub-division, has single-handedly protected his village from the menace of wild elephants that venture into the area to feast on crops. 

The farmer’s journey as the village’s unofficial guardian began over ten years ago. His farm lies directly within what it is believed to be a corridor which has been used by the elephants for ages as they migrate in search of food. 

Sodesh’s fields and plantation are also the first to be encountered by the elephants after crossing the Dhansiri River which borders Assam. “Since 2009, I have been dealing with elephant intrusion on my banana, paddy and bamboo plantations.  With no other choice, I took it upon myself to fend off those massive intruders,” he stated. 

The farmer’s method, while simple, has proven remarkably effective. Armed with only a torch, he ventures out alone at night whenever he hears the arrival of the elephants and shines the light at the elephants, causing them to retreat. He avoids direct confrontation, instead approaching from the sides and uses the torch to deter the elephants without raising his voice or making a racket.

This technique has consistently succeeded where other methods have failed. Groups of villagers attempting to chase away the elephants often found their efforts in vain, as the animals would either ignore them or, worse, move closer, Sodesh highlighted. 

“I do not use aggressive methods to ward off the elephants. It only worsens the situation. So, I only use the torch and shine it on them to lead them away from my plantation,” he maintained. 

Confronting wild elephants is no small feat, given their size and strength. “The task was very daunting but if I did not act, the elephants would continue to ravage our crops, leaving us in dire straits,” he stated.

Interestingly, the elephant’s behavior seems to have adapted in response to the farmer’s tactic. Initially, the elephants would return after a short while, undeterred by the light. But as the farmer continued his nightly vigils, the elephants began to associate the torchlight with a threat, prompting them to flee more consistently. 

Manglumukh villagers now believe that the elephants have developed a form of respect for the farmers, recognizing his presence as a signal to retreat. 

Sodesh, who have been studying the behavior of the elephants, noted that these giants, crossing the Dhansiri River from the reserve forests have grown bolder over the years. “Nowadays, they venture into the fields and human habitation without any inhibition,” he stated. 

He observed that this may be because the elephants have become familiar with humans, who have increasingly encroached on their natural habitats.  “With human habitation disturbing their corridor, elephants do not fear humans anymore,” Sodesh elaborated. He recalled that in the 80s and 90s, elephants would flee at the scent of smoke or human presence, a stark contrast to their current behavior. 

Expressing deep concern over the increasing frequency of these intrusions, he said this indicated the elephants are losing habitat and fodder areas in Assam, pushing them towards Nagaland. 

According to Sodesh, the elephants are regular visitors during the months from November till January. However, in recent years, the elephants have been increasing in their appearance throughout the year. 

At the frontline of this ongoing confrontation for 15 years, Sodesh has lost count of the number of times he has faced these giants since 2009, estimating at least 100 encounters. From November 2023 to now, Sodesh said he has had at least 10-12 encounters. 

“I am expecting more of the elephant to come this November. I am very fed up with this frequent intrusion. I am even planning on shifting my area of cultivation,” the farmer stated with a tinge of frustration. 

Sodesh has also lost count of the number of rechargeable torchlight he has had to procure over the years. Battery operated torch are not effective because they have weak beams. The rechargeable ones works best for the elephants, he commented.