State leads in elephant conservation, innovative conflict solutions: Minister
Hassan: Karnataka is at the forefront in the country when it comes to capturing and training elephants, according to the minister of forest, Eshwar B Khandre. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the
Elephant Task Force
office building in Bikkodu, Belur taluk, the minister said that due to the strict implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, there was an increase in the numbers of wildlife.
Karnataka ranks number one in elephant population with 6,395 elephants. Therefore, there is a need to find a permanent solution to human-wildlife conflict, he said.In Hassan district, over the past 20 years, the problem of elephants increased.
Even after being relocated, they return. There are 50-60 elephants in the plantations of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu also facing the same issue, he added. Since the forests and plantations in this region are similar, elephants roam freely, and thus various measures like railway barricades, elephant trenches, and solar fences have been implemented to prevent elephants from entering human settlements, he said.Instructions were given to capture elephants troubling people in Hassan district, and the forest department is successfully capturing elephants, he stated. In Bikkodu, where the elephant problem is severe, an elephant task force camp should be established. An officer of DCF rank should monitor elephant movements and provide timely information to the public. A temporary camp is already in place, and now a building is being constructed, he said.New concept of
Elephant Sanctuary
The concept of an Elephant Sanctuary or Soft Release Center is a new experiment being implemented for the first time in Karnataka. While 80% of officials believe it will effectively solve the elephant problem, 20% do not consider it a suitable measure. State govt has taken steps to implement this new experiment, he said. Tenders will be called within 15-20 days for establishing the Elephant Sanctuary, and the foundation stone will be laid within two months to start the work, Khandre assured.Awareness, coexistence essential In the current scenario, it is necessary to raise awareness among people living on the forest fringes about coexisting with wildlife.
At the same time, it is essential to prevent damage to farmers' crops and loss of valuable lives. The forest department will carry out this task sincerely, he informed.
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