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Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Leopard attack: Forest dept launches intensive operation after newly-wed man is killed
Mysuru: In a tragic incident that has shaken the region, a 24-year-old newlywed man was mauled to death by a leopard in the Sollepura forest area near Nagapura Haadi of Hunsur taluk on Monday. In response, the Forest Department has launched a large-scale combing operation to capture the elusive big cat, deploying multiple specialized teams and equipment. The victim, Harish from Kurubara Hosahalli village under the Hanagodu range in the Hunsur division, was herding goats with his father, Krishna, in the forest when the leopard attacked. Reports indicate that the animal approached to snatch a goat, and Harish, in an attempt to chase it away, was fatally attacked. Despite efforts to take him to the hospital, Harish succumbed to his injuries on the way. Harish had been married just three months ago, adding a heart-breaking layer to the tragedy. Following the incident, the Forest Department has launched an intensive leopard capture operation. Over 30 personnel from the Elephant Task Force, Leopard Task Force, and the Hunsur Regional Division of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve are actively involved in the mission. Officials say that the forest is being thoroughly combed and that the leopard is expected to be captured soon. 'We have deployed all resources, and we are hopeful that the leopard will be trapped in the coming days,' stated a forest department official involved in the operation. In the wake of the fatal attack, the Forest Department has announced a compensation of Rs20 lakh to Harish's family. Of this, Rs 5 lakh has been handed over immediately at the time of the postmortem, while the remaining Rs15 lakh will be issued subsequently. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Seema confirmed the details of the relief package. The incident has reignited concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zones of protected areas like Nagarahole, especially as settlements and grazing activities continue near forest fringes. This is the second such attack reported in the region this year.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
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 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 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 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 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.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Karnataka forest minister says ‘Jumbos unable to distinguish between plantation and forest areas'
Bengaluru: Regretting human casualties due to elephant attacks in various parts of Karnataka, forest minister Eshwar Khandre Friday said elephants are unable to distinguish between plantations and forests. Consoling the family of Shanmukha at Baikere village in Sakaleshpur taluk of Hassan, who was killed by a wild elephant a few days ago, Khandre blamed human-elephant conflicts on encroached forest and grazing (gomala) land in rural areas. Stating he is visiting the human-elephant conflict-hit Hassan district for the sixth time in the last two years, Khandre said, "I visited the families of elephant attack victims in the past and am now also visiting the family of Shanmukha. Our (govt's) view is that there shall not be any casualty due to wildlife conflicts in the state. But it is unfortunate that such incidents are being repeated despite the best of our conservation efforts." The minister directed forest officials to set up a unit of the Elephant Task Force at Bikkodu village and disseminate information to villagers on the movement of elephants in the region. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Cautioning the villagers in Sakaleshpur, Khandre explained to them that jumbos are unable to differentiate between plantations and forest areas. "Wildlife scientists have revealed elephants have a strong memory, and they keep moving through the locations that were used by their predecessors. The elephant population increased in Karnataka due to stern implementation of the Wildlife Conservation Act . However, there has been no increase in the ratio of forest area. This, apart from rampant encroachment of forest and grazing land in and around villages, has further contributed to the problem," the minister briefed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Retirement Blunders to Avoid Fisher Investments UK Learn More Undo Responding to a question that several villagers around Sakaleshpur and Belur, impacted by the elephant attack, are increasingly coming forward to sell off their agricultural lands to the forest department, Khandre clarified, "We will examine whether we can expand the forest area with these lands and resolve the human-elephant conflict . I also requested the chief minister to convene and chair a meeting of multiple departments for better coordination to address the elephant conflict." The state govt increased the compensation to wildlife attack victims from the existing Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs, and the family of Shanmukha was given a Rs 20 lakh compensation cheque. "The family of the victim is demanding a govt job, and the state govt rules do not permit such demands. Nevertheless, I will personally discuss this demand with the CM and make a sincere effort in that direction," he clarified.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
State plans Rs 50 cr elephant control zone in Hassan
Hassan: In order to mitigate the human-wild elephant conflict in Hassan and neighbouring Chikkamagaluru districts, the state 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo 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.
