India, June 6 -- West Bengal is seeing rising human-elephant conflict as herds increasingly raid paddy, corn, mustard, potato and vegetable fields.

Farmers in districts such as Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia and Jalpaiguri say crop losses are pushing families into debt.

Elephant numbers have risen in both south and north Bengal, while shrinking and fragmented habitats are forcing herds closer to farms and villages.

Community-led Quick Response Teams in parts of north Bengal have helped reduce crop damage through night patrols, walkie-talkie alerts and corridor monitoring.

Experts say fencing, compensation and short-term diversion measures will not be enough unless elephant corridors are protected and habitats restored....