If one looks into the depth of this depredation and the ones preceding it, one thing is clear - neither the wild elephants nor the people who died could be held responsible for the tragedy. Wild elephants, like other wildlife do not attack human beings for sport. The humans who lost their lives could not have done anything to invite the wrath of the elephants. The roots can be traced to adjoining areas where the forests, the refuge of wildlife are shrinking at a pace faster than ever. The cause would also have to be attributed to the damage done to the natural corridors being used by wild elephants since ages. All these are caused by human beings, who do not care about the effects their acts have on wildlife and human beings living in neighbouring areas. For instance, north of the Brahmaputra, the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary was once the pristine habitat of a diverse range of wildlife including elephants. In the last few years, people from some communities who even claim ancient links to the land have decimated large parts of the Sanctuary by felling trees and encroaching inside the protected area. Sonai Rupai at present is one of the most degraded protected areas in the State, and no wonder its wildlife have been compelled to move out. The incident is notable, because the same trend is happening in many other protected areas and reserve forests in the State. The attack of wild elephants, however, is only one manifestation of the impact of forest loss. At a less obvious but equally significant level depleting forests have contributed to water scarcity, air pollution and a definite reduction in the living space of both flora and fauna.

In such a scenario the role of local people along with the personnel of Forest Department and conservation groups has gained more importance. Till now, the Forest Department and conservation groups have sought to involve affected people with some success. However such attempts at creating awareness have been challenged by those in neighbouring areas where rampant destruction of forests are taking place. In many areas in districts like Sonitpur and Golaghat human interference has continued to imperil forests and thus put at risk lives of adjoining communities. The political unwillingness to take strong measures against encroachment in forest areas has not helped matters. Treatment of encroachers as vote-banks by almost all political parties has been responsible for inaction on the part of the civil administration to remove illegal settlers. Soon, the political parties, which constitute the present Government must set its priorities in order and that decision must not be tilted in favour of those who violate the laws of the land. Until that shift takes place, both human beings and elephants would find it difficult to enjoy a harmonious coexistence in several regions of the State.