Hati Bondhu: Sowing seeds of coexistence in Assam, India
A quiet revolution is blooming in Assam’s verdant Nagaon district, where elephants once raided crops and clashed with farmers. Hati Bondhu, meaning “Friends of Elephants,” is transforming human-elephant conflict (HEC) into a story of coexistence. By planting elephant-friendly crops like Napier grass and sali rice across hundreds of acres, this community-led initiative is restoring habitats, protecting livelihoods, and proving that harmony between humans and wildlife is possible. Since 2018, Hati Bondhu has become an inspiration, showing the world how compassion and ingenuity can heal fractured ecosystems.
Feeding Elephants, Saving Farms
Assam’s elephants, revered as symbols of wisdom, face shrinking habitats due to deforestation and human expansion. Before 2018, herds of up to 150 elephants roamed from Bagser Reserve to villages like Hatikhuli, destroying paddy fields and sparking conflict. Hati Bondhu, founded by 90-year-old environmentalist Pradip Kumar Bhuyan and led on the ground by conservationist Binod Dulu Bora, tackled this crisis with a bold idea: create dedicated elephant feeding zones.
Across 266 acres near Hatikhuli village, communities have planted Napier grass, bamboo, jackfruit, and elephant apples—foods elephants love. These safe havens have sheltered over 300 elephants and slashed crop raids by 80% across 200 villages.
“We’re giving elephants their space,” says Bora, “and it’s saving ours.”
The result? No human or elephant deaths in these areas since 2018, earning praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2025 podcast series ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Communities at the Heart of Change
Hati Bondhu’s magic lies in its community spirit. Villagers, including women like Saraswati Teronpi from the landscape, have donated 52 hectares by 2023 and labour to grow elephant crops. Teronpi, who resumed paddy farming after decades of elephant raids, harvested a bumper crop in 2024, thanks to Hati Bondhu’s buffer zones. “Our fields are safe now,” she beams. Women lead monitoring efforts and workshops, weaving cultural reverence for elephants into conservation.
Despite challenges like funding and initial skepticism, trust has grown. “At first, growing paddy for elephants sounded strange,” admits Pradip Kumar Bhuyan, pioneer of the initiative. But seeing elephants graze peacefully changed local mindsets.
Hati Bondhu’s conservation workshops empower marginalized communities with agricultural training, reducing reliance on illegal logging and fostering stewardship. A children’s program in rural schools teaches empathy for elephants, ensuring future generations carry the torch.
A Global Model for Coexistence
Hati Bondhu’s success is catching global eyes. Featured in a BBC documentary, “The Year the Earth Changed”, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, its model, rooted in habitat restoration and community collaboration, is inspiring regions like Nepal and Bangladesh facing similar conflicts. By mapping elephant corridors and enriching them with fast-growing grasses, Hati Bondhu offers a low-cost, scalable solution.
“This is about love and coexistence,” says Bhuyan. As habitat loss fuels HEC worldwide, Hati Bondhu’s approach could guide conservation from Africa to Asia.
Join the Coexistence Movement
Hati Bondhu shows that small actions can spark big change. Here’s how you can help:
- Explore More: Visit hatibondhu.org for project insights.
- Support Conservation: Donate to or locally volunteer with the organisation.
- Raise Awareness: Share this story on social media to inspire others.
- Act Locally: Advocate for wildlife-friendly practices in your community.
In Assam, Hati Bondhu is planting more than crops—it’s sowing seeds of harmony. Let’s celebrate this vision and work toward a world where humans and elephants thrive together.
