Duars Village's Unique Coexistence: Humans & Wildlife Live in Harmony in Chhatua

• Chhatua Forest Settlement in Duars, near Gorumara National Park, showcases a rare human-wildlife coexistence.
• Villagers live peacefully with elephants, bison, and other wild animals, contrasting with typical fear in other forest areas.
• Residents use lights and sounds to guide animals back to the forest at night, minimizing conflict and damage.
• Animals often visit the forest edge during the day to feed on bananas, bamboo, or leaves, with major damage being uncommon.
• Approximately 80 families in this Maynaguri Block settlement share a 'silent understanding' with nature for years.