​'Project RE-HAB' was first launched as a pilot project in which state?

The correct answer is Karnataka . Key Points Project RE-HAB , which stands for Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees , was launched by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on March 15, 2021 . The initiative was first introduced as a pilot project in the Kodagu district of Karnataka , specifically around the village of Chelur . The project aims to mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) by creating 'bee-fences' that deter elephants from entering human habitations and destroying crops without causing them any physical harm. It leverages the natural behavior of elephants, who are known to be wary of honey bees due to their buzzing sound and the potential for painful stings in sensitive areas like the trunk. By placing bee boxes on the periphery of forest areas, the project serves a dual purpose of wildlife conservation and enhancing honey production for local farmers. Additional Information Geographical Expansion : Following the success of the pilot in Karnataka , the project was expanded to other states with high conflict zones, including Assam (launched in Goalpara in December 2021), Odisha , West Bengal , and Uttarakhand . Implementation Agency : The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body formed under the KVIC Act of 1956 . It functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and promotes rural employment through initiatives like the Honey Mission . Technical Mechanism : Bee boxes are interconnected with a thin wire; when an elephant tries to cross, the movement triggers the bees, creating a natural acoustic and physical barrier. This nature-based solution is significantly cheaper than traditional methods like electric fencing or digging trenches .