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6 December 2021.
Introduction:
Project RE – HAB is Reducing Elephant Human – Attacks using Bees. It was recently launched in Assam.
What is Project RE – HAB?
The Project RE – HAB creates “bee fences”. The honey bees in these fences’ thwart elephant attacks in human habitations. They dissuade the elephants without harming them. It is highly cost – effective as compared to erecting fences or digging trenches. Simultaneously, it increases honey production and increases farmer income. Also, the project helps to address climate change issues by regenerating forest cover.
How does the project work?
- Under the project, the bee boxes are placed in the premises of human habitation.
- They are placed as fences. Around 15 to 20 bee boxes are placed around the habitation that is to be protected.
- The buzz of the bees irritate the elephants the most.
- They fear that the honey bees might sting them in their trunks and eyes.
- And therefore, they do not walk ahead of the boxes.
- The boxes are connected with a string.
- When the elephants try to pass through the string, a pull or tug causes the bees to swarm towards the elephant.
Implementing Agency
- The Project RE – HAB is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
- The KVIC is a statutory body established under Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956.
- The main function of KVIC is to plan, promote, organize and implement programmes for the development of village industries in rural areas.
Project RE – HAB a sub – mission to National Honey Mission
- The Project RE – HAB is a sub mission to National Honey Mission of KVIC.
- It was launched to provide awareness and training in using bee boxes along the bee colonies.
- The mission was launched in 2017 and is in line with Sweet Revolution.
Where was Project RE – HAB launched?
- The Project was first launched in Karnataka. Upon its huge success in the state, it is to be launched in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
What is the need for the project?
- Between 2014 and 2019, around 403 deaths occurred due to elephant – human conflict. 397 deaths occurred in Odisha, 349 in Jharkhand, 332 in Assam, 170 in Karnataka and 289 in Chhattisgarh.
- Also, around 500 elephants died in human – elephant conflict in the last five years alone.