Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre offers condolences to the family of Shanmukha, who died in a wild jumbo attack recently, at his house in Bykere, Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district, on Friday.
Credit: DH Photo
Hassan: Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre said, "In an effort to provide a permanent solution to the wild jumbo menace, an 'Elephant soft release centre' will be established at Bhadra forest in Shivamogga district. The government has released Rs 53 crore for this. The project will be enforced within 8 to 10 months".
Despite the government taking all measures to combat man-animal conflict, a lot of deaths are being reported, which is regrettable, he said.
He was speaking after visiting the house of Shanmukha, who was killed in an elephant attack, at Bykere village, near Sakleshpur and offered condolences to the family members. He directed the officials to set up an Elephant Task Force at Bikkodu, and provide alerts on the movement of jumbos.
Khandre pointed out that he was visiting Hassan district for the sixth time after becoming the Minister, and visited the houses of those who died of wild jumbo attack. It is painful to see that taking all steps, such deaths are still being reported, he said.
The jumbos don't know the difference between the forest and the plantations. Due to the strict implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, the number of elephants has increased. But the forest area is the same. Besides, there have been encroachments of forests. This has aggravated the problem, he said.
Due to jumbo menace, some farmers in Sakleshpur, Belur and surrounding areas have come forward to sell their lands to the Forest department. It will be reviewed whether it is possible to purchase and extend the forest. The CM has been requested to convene a meeting to develop a coordination between various departments, in the wake of man-animal conflict, he said.
Rs 20 lakh compensation
The government has increased the compensation due to wild animal attacks from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Shanmukha's family has been given Rs 20 lakh. But the family members seek a government job. It will be discussed with the CM, he said.
MP Shreyas Patel, MLAs Cement Manju, CCF Yedukondalu, DCF Saurabh Kumar, Congress leader Murali Mohan accompanied him.
Commenting on the murder of Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, Khandre said that there is no concession on the basis of caste, creed or sect for those involved in his murder. The government will take action to impose strict punishment on the murderers.