How an IAS Officer’s Midnight Patrols Are Saving Villages from Elephants

When elephants ravaged their fields, these villagers found an unlikely hero. His midnight patrols and simple deterrent are changing lives—and sparking hope for lasting solutions.

, and Administrator

2025 November 14 . 5:24 AM

1 min read

This are elephants, hear a person standing, this are huts and tree.

How an IAS Officer’s Midnight Patrols Are Saving Villages from Elephants

Nagaon's District Commissioner Debashish Sharma (IAS) has won praise for his hands-on approach to resolving the human-elephant conflict in Samaguri and Bamuni villages. Sharma personally inspected damaged fields, leading midnight patrols with villagers, and introduced an eco-friendly deterrent to keep elephants away.

The DC's involvement came as a relief to locals, who have been pushed to the brink by elephants destroying their crops. Sharma introduced a simple yet effective method using ropes soaked in a mixture of cow dung and dried chilli powder to keep the elephants at bay. Villagers quickly adopted this idea, expressing gratitude for Sharma's empathy and proactive governance.

The midnight walk by Sharma drew widespread appreciation. Locals appealed for stronger, long-term measures to permanently resolve the conflict. They requested solar fencing, increased compensation, and regular patrols to protect their crops and lives. Sharma's personal involvement has given hope to the villagers that their concerns are being addressed.

DC Sharma's personal inspection and introduction of an eco-friendly deterrent have provided immediate relief to Nagaon's villagers. Long-term measures, such as solar fencing and increased compensation, have been requested to permanently resolve the human-elephant conflict. Sharma's midnight walk has been widely appreciated for his empathy and commitment to governance.