The state of Assam in northeastern India has experienced an increase in violent encounters between humans and wild elephants due to habitat loss caused by urban development. To address this issue, a mobile app called HaatiApp has been launched by the conservation society Aaranyak to track the movements of wild elephant herds and warn users of potential collisions. The app also allows residents to report elephant sightings, injuries, and crop or property damages in order to seek compensation from government entities. This initiative aims to reduce human-elephant conflicts that have resulted in over 200 elephant deaths and 400 human deaths from 2017 to 2022. Along with the app, Aaranyak has released a handbook on using solar-powered fences to keep elephants away from humans and property. Assam, known for its agriculture and wildlife sanctuaries, is home to the second-largest elephant population in India, with 5,700 elephants. This app and other initiatives are crucial in promoting coexistence between humans and elephants in the region and preventing further conflicts between the two species.
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