The Burning Truth: Why ‘Hula Parties’ Still Haunt Bengal’s Elephants

 

"Hula parties" (or hulla parties) are groups of 15–50 local villagers in South Bengal who are hired by the forest department to drive wild elephants away from human settlements and crops. While they claim to protect "giant tuskers" by preventing fatal retaliatory attacks from angry mobs, their methods—using burning torches (mashaals) and spikes—frequently lead to horrific injuries and the deaths of these animals.

In the heart of South Bengal, a violent tradition continues to flicker despite legal bans. Hula parties—groups of local youth—are the frontline of human-elephant conflict management. Their "good" intent is to prevent elephants from raiding crops and being killed by villagers. Ironically, they often become the very threat they claim to mitigate.

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The Human-Wildlife Toll

• Brutality: In August 2024, a pregnant elephant died in Jhargram after a hula party member threw a burning iron rod that lodged in her back.
• The Law vs. Reality: The Supreme Court of India issued a notice to the state government in late 2024 regarding the continued use of these "barbaric" methods.
• The Conflict Cycle: Constant harassment by fire stresses the animals, making them more aggressive and prone to charging, which only fuels more violence.

Until the state implements scientific, empathy-based alternatives like habitat restoration and better early-warning systems, the "hula" fire will continue to burn on both sides of the conflict.

Why they are still in action despite the Supreme Court ban

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In 2018, the Supreme Court banned the use of "fireballs" to drive elephants. However, they persist due to several loopholes and administrative failures:

• Definitional Loopholes: The court specifically banned fireballs, but the forest department argues that mashaals (stationary torches) are still permissible in emergencies.
• Official Payrolls: Despite the ban, the West Bengal Forest Department continues to engage these parties through informal hiring or formal tendering processes, paying them roughly ₹300 per night.
• Lack of Alternatives: Officials claim hula drives are the "only effective method" as elephants do not respond to other deterrents.
• Economic Racket: Some allege a "racket" where hula parties intentionally block elephant paths to keep them in the area, ensuring more paid work nights.