Jumbos ruin Magadi farmers

The destruction wrought by the elephants from the Savanadurga wildlife sanctuary has been placed at lakhs of rupees.Besides ragi and paddy, the crops destroyed include coconut, banana, sugarcane, gourd, jackfruit, cucumber and mango.

Many farmers, who had taken loans to raise the crops are livid at what they see as the inaction by the Forest authorities. Farmer Prakash warned of launching an agitation if no action was taken to protect the farms from the elephant menace.

In the recent days, the elephants have left a trail of destruction in Girijapura, Mummenahalli, Military Bhairapp- anapalya, Adakamaranahali, Guddahalli, Karalamangala, Polenahalli, Basavenahalli, Nayakanahalli, Veeregowdanadoddi, dabbaguli and Manchanabele, Grama Panchayat president Hanumantharayappa told Deccan Herald.

Tarikere

The appearance of three wild elephants in a field on the outskirts of Tarikere in Chikmagalur has worried the residents.

The elephants were first spotted behind Palegarara camp. However, due to movement of people, they were seen hiding at a arecanut estate behind Vijnana Industries. The jumbos moved towards Kereya after hearing the sound of crackers.

The elephants destroyed maize crop belonging to Tarikere TMC former president Anujamma Rudrappa. The forest officials who visited the spot tried to chase the elephants using crackers. However, their efforts went in vain. Later, the elephants moved towards Bailapura via Tarikere-Lingadahalli road.