The National Assembly saw extensive discussions on the problem of wild animals damaging crops and attacking livestock.

Raising the issue, the National Assembly member from Sibsoo constituency Durga Prasad Chhetri said wild elephants are becoming a huge problem in Sibsoo Dungkhag. Apart from damaging crops, they are also posing a serious threat to human life.

The Sibsoo MP Durga Prasad Chetri said between 2008 and 2009, wild elephants have damaged nearly 50,000 kilograms of crops and 15 houses in the Dungkhag. He informed the house that wild elephants have killed two people in Namgaycholing Geog under Sibsoo Dungkhag yesterday.

He said there has been no concrete method or strategy for combating the problem.

The Home Minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji said the problem is a major concern. He said the ministry is also working on compensation for damages caused by wild animals.

The Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Pema Gyamtsho said not much could be done to stop wild elephants from damaging crops and encroaching into settlements due to lack of proper equipment.

He said the ministry has installed solar fencing and deployed forest officials to help the farmers.

The Gasa MP Damcho Dorji informed the house that the solar fencing does not work. He said the ministry should find alternative ways.

The Haa MP also raised concerns regarding livestock being killed by wild animals. The house asked the concerned ministry to find a solution. Source: BBS