State plans Rs 50 cr elephant control zone in Hassan
forest department
is developing certain programmes. Now, the department is considering establishing an
elephant control zone
.
The zone is planned at the cost of Rs 50 crore, and the state cabinet has approved the same, said forest minister Eshwar B Khandre in Holenarasipura. The project will be implemented as soon as possible to bring the human-elephant conflict to an end. The conflict between humans and animals has been ongoing for many years. Due to the reduction in forest areas and the increase in animal populations, crops were destroyed in places like Hassan, Belur, and Sakleshpura.
Last year, seven people lost their lives to
elephant attacks
, and this year, four people died, the minister said. Elephants are leaving the forests and entering rural and urban lands. To prevent their entry, the govt plans to implement a permanent solution costing Rs 50 crore, which includes building fences and digging trenches.
Meetings have already been held with farmers in Belur to provide appropriate compensation for crop damage and deceased farmers. If possible, similar consultations will be held with farmers in Sakleshpura to ensure they receive fair compensation from the govt.
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On forest encroachment, the minister stated that before evicting those who encroached on forest land, proper rehabilitation will be provided according to the law.
The minister also visited the house of Shanmukha, who was trampled to death in Bykere in Sakleshpura. He instructed officials to establish an Elephant Task Force unit in Bikkodu immediately to provide timely information on elephant movements to the locals.
Having visited
Hassan district
for the sixth time since becoming the forest minister, he mentioned that he previously visited the homes of those who died from elephant attacks to offer condolences. He reiterated his stance that not a single death should occur due to wildlife attacks but acknowledged that despite all measures, such tragic incidents sometimes happen.
Elephants do not distinguish between plantations, forests: Khandre
Khandre appealed to the people to be cautious and said elephants do not distinguish between plantations and forests. Experts say that elephants follow the paths of their ancestors. Due to the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws, the elephant population increased, but forest areas have shrunk over a period of time. Additionally, there has been encroachment on forest and grazing lands, exacerbating the problem, he stated.
In light of repeated deaths from elephant attacks around Sakleshpur and Belur, some farmers are considering selling their land to the forest department. Khandre stated that they would explore the possibility of purchasing this land to expand forest areas and prevent elephant incursions. He also mentioned a request for a meeting under chief minister Siddaramaiah's leadership to coordinate between various departments in response to the human-elephant conflict.
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