JOIN USHaving settled down for the past two months in the fields of Banavar Hobli, the tusker moved past Bendekere Lake on Monday morning.
Labourers, who sighted the tusker playing in the Bendekere Lake, immediately informed the forest department officials.
Briefing media persons, Forest Range Officer Jayanna said that 25 trained personnel will be involved in an operation to drive the tusker towards Tarikere Forest Reserve on Monday night.
He said that all steps are being taken to successfully carry out the operation.
Protest
MLA K M Shivalingegowda complained that despite damage caused to crops by the tusker for the past two months, no measures have been taken by the forest officials.
He warned of a protest against the government if the tusker was not driven away from the taluk.
Criticising the government for its failure, the MLA said that the tusker was destroying crops including plantain and coconut.
Despite taking the life of an agricultural labourer in Bucchanakoppa in Banavar, no action has been taken by the government, he said.
Shivalingegowda held the government responsible for any mishaps that may occur in future.