Elephants return to haunt villagers of Somwarpet

The wild elephant menace is increasing day by day in the taluk. People have spotted elephants crossing the road at Soolebavi on Kushalnagar-Somwarpet state highway, at Kajoor Junction, Kovarkolli and Guligappana Kallu, which has created fear among labourers and general public.

The non-availability of food and water inside the forest during summer has led the elephants to the villages, in search of jackfruit. There have also been cases of people encroaching upon the elephant corridor area, which includes Paisari and Ooruduve land.

The Forest Department has submitted a proposal for the laying of trenches to prevent the entry of elephants. Apart from this, the government is also planning to set up fences made of railway tracks and sleepers.

du reserve forest have entered Somwarpet. Two-wheeler riders and pedestrians should be cautious while travelling on the highway, warned the Forest Department officials.

Yadavare resident T C Thimmaiah said, “The movement of elephants on the road at Kajoor and Yadavare has given rise to fear in the minds of the people. The Forest Department should lay solar fences and distribute crackers to the villagers to burst in order to chase elephants back into the forest.”

Mahesh, AITUC taluk president, said that the government should find a permanent solution to the elephant menace. The elephants have been causing inconvenience to the estate labourers.